2/ Haemoptysis and Lung Cancer

Question 1

What 3 anatomical areas can cause haemoptysis?

Answer 1

Bronchus and trachea
Lung parenchyma
Cardiogenic causes

Question 2

What causes of haemoptysis arise from the bronchus and trachea?

Answer 2

• neoplasia e.g. carcinoma, carcinoid
• chronic mechanical irritation e.g. foreign body
• infection e.g. bronchitis

Question 3

What causes of haemoptysis arise from the lung parenchyma?

Answer 3

• neoplasia
• infection
• goodpastures syndrome
• pulmonary haemosiderosis
• vasculitis e.g. Wegener’s granulomatosis

Question 4

What causes of haemoptysis have a cardiogenic origin?

Answer 4

• mitral stenosis
• ateriovenous malformation
• pulmonary ebolism
• pulmonary hypertension