21: Detection And Dx Of Malignancy Flashcards
Tumors can hemorrhage - so what symtpoms should make you consider tumor?
Hematuria, melena, hematemesis, hemoptysis, bleeding in post-menopausal female**
What could be a sign of internal bleeding and why?
Pain - the blood is putting pressure on the compartment
What can irritation of pleura by a tumor cause?
Malignant pleural effusion
Transudate vs exudate
Transudate: low protein + low cells
Exudate: high protein, high cells
How to determine exudate vs transudate?
SAAG: serum to ascites albumin gradient
Two safe, easy techniques that can provide both therapeutic and diagnostic advantages in pleural effusion and ascites?
Thoracentesis (chest), paracentesis (abdomen)
Six signs to detect a tumor
- Palpable/visible mass
- Indication of invasion
- Obstruction signs
- Compression signs
- Hemorrhage
- Effusions
Cancer staging acronym and what it stands for
T: tumor size
N: degree of LN involvement
M: extent of metastases
What type of cancer typically needs LN staging?
Carcinomas
Four characteristics of primary vs metastatic tumors
- Primary: solitary, no previous CA dx, location unusual for metz, typical demographic
- Metastatic: multiple, Hx other CA, location typical for metz, unusual for the demographic
Definition of a paraneoplastic syndrome
Effects from a tumor that secretes substances/hormones or evokes elaboration of other factors (auto-Abs, cytokines)
What cancer are keratin pearls on histo found in?
Squamous carcinoma
1st and 2nd most common paraneoplastic syndrome in small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma
1st: SIADH
2nd: Cushings
What cancer causes a lot of paraneoplastic syndromes?
Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma
Sx in Cushings caused by increased ACTH in adrenal gland vs ectopic ACTH secretion
- Nl pathway: central obesity, moon face
2. Ectopic ACTH: HTN, hypokalemia, Metabolic alkalosis, muscle wasting
