cancer Flashcards
Presentation and conditions
SCLC- other syndromes associated with
S- SIADH
C- Cushing syndrome
L- Lambert-Eaton myasthenia syndrome (LEMS)
C- Calciaemia (Hypercalcemia)
Which tumour markers assessed for testicular cancer.
- AFP
- B-Hcg
- LDH
Spinal cord compression first line investigation
MRI
AFP
- fetal serum protein that becomes undetectable after birth
- frequently used for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Conditions where AFP is raised
GI cancer
Lung cancer
Pregnancy
Germ cell tumours
Clinical presentation of Hepatocellular carcinoma
- abdominal pain
- weight loss
- Jaundice
Gastro-intestinal cancer presentation
Persistent abdominal pain
Unexplained weight loss
Change in bowel habit
Metastatic lung cancer presentation
persistent cough, breathlessness, unexplained weight loss, fatigue
AFP and pregnancy
AFP levels are typically higher in pregnancy, with significantly elevated levels potentially indicative of fetal neural tube defects
Germ cell tumour presentation
palpable mass
testicular pain or discomfort
gynecomastia in men
irregular menstruation or vaginal bleeding in women
Clinical features of head and neck cancers
- Dysphagia
- Odynophagia
- Dysphonia
- ALARM symptoms (tiredness, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite)
- Lymphadenopathy
- Airway compromise (stridor)
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Focal neurology (VII cranial nerve palsy)
Head and neck cancer investigations
- CT, MRI, PET scans
- Endoscopy to visualise tumour
- Biopsy and histological subtype of cancer
Management of head and neck cancer
- Surgery: To remove the tumor and regional lymph nodes if necessary.
- Radiotherapy: Can be used as a primary treatment, adjuvant therapy, or for palliation.
- Chemotherapy: Used in combination with radiotherapy for locally advanced disease or as palliative treatment for metastatic disease.
Tumour lysis syndrome
*Lethal metabolic condition
* Rapid death of tumour cells in response to chemo
* Results in massive release of intracellular contents in bloodstream
* Results in significant electrolyte imbalance
Epidemiology of TLS
acute leukaemia and high-grade lymphomas, particularly after the initiation of cytotoxic therapy.
Signs and symptoms of Tumour Lysis syndrome
- Dysuria or oliguria
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Seizures
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Gout/joint swelling
Tumor lysis syndrome investigations
U&E: Potassium and phosphate are usually raised, raised Cr suggestive of AKI/renal failure.
Calcium: Typically low in tumour lysis syndrome.
Uric acid: Usually elevated.
ECG: To identify any metabolic abnormalities such as hyperkalaemia that may precipitate life-threatening arrhythmias.
Management of tumor lysis syndrome
- correct electrolyte imbalances
- administer IV fluids (flush out intracellular content)
- Rasburicase
Prevention of TLS
- combination of hydration and allopurinol.
- Rasburicase
Colorectal cancer
- uncontrolled cell growth in the lining of the colon or rectum
- may start as benign polyps
Strong risk factors of colorectal cancer
Increasing age
Hereditary syndromes
Familial adenomatous polyposis
Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch Syndrome)
Juvenile polyposis
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
Increased alcohol intake
Smoking tobacco
Processed meat
Obesity
Previous exposure to radiation
Inflammatory bowel disease
Weak risk factors of colorectal cancer
Lack of dietary fibre
Limited physical activity
Asbestos exposure
Red meat (non-processed)
Signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer
*rectal bleeding
* unexplained weight loss
* change in bowel habit
* Abdominal pain
* Iron-deficiency anaemia
* Bowel obstruction
Colorectal cancer screening
Faecal immunochemical test (FIT) every 2 years for men and women age 60-74. If positive patients are referred for colonoscopy.
Screening programme has reduced death by 16%
common association of HNPCC
colorectal cancer
Endometrial cancer
Lynch syndrome
Lynch syndrome association (10)
Colorectal cancer
Endometrial cancer
Ovarian cancer
Stomach cancer
Small intestine cancer
Liver cancer
Urinary tract cancer
Gallbladder duct cancer
Brain cancer
Skin cancer
Three types of the colorectal cancers
sporadic (95%)
hereditary non-polyposis colorectal carcinoma (HNPCC, 5%)
familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP, <1%)
Three criteria of Lynch syndrome
at least 3 family members with colon cancer
the cases span at least two generations
at least one case diagnosed before the age of 50 years
Three criteria of Lynch syndrome
at least 3 family members with colon cancer
the cases span at least two generations
at least one case diagnosed before the age of 50 years
What is dabigatran?
An oral anticoagulant that works as a direct thrombin inhibitor
What are the main indications for dabigatran?
- Prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism following hip or knee replacement surgery
- Prevention of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation with specific risk factors
What are the risk factors for using dabigatran in stroke prevention?
- Previous stroke, transient ischaemic attack, or systemic embolism
- Left ventricular ejection fraction below 40%
- Symptomatic heart failure of NYHA class 2 or above
- Age 75 years or older
- Age 65 years or older with diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, or hypertension
What is the major adverse effect of dabigatran?
Haemorrhage
What should be done with dabigatran doses in chronic kidney disease?
Doses should be reduced; do not prescribe if creatinine clearance is < 30 ml/min
What is used for rapid reversal of dabigatran’s anticoagulant effects?
Idarucizumab
What significant findings were reported in the RE-ALIGN study regarding dabigatran?
Significantly higher bleeding and thrombotic events in patients with recent mechanical heart valve replacement compared to warfarin
What is the mechanism of action of dabigatran?
Direct thrombin inhibitor
How is dabigatran excreted from the body?
Majority renal
What are the two main types of heparin?
- Unfractionated heparin
- Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH)
What is the mechanism of action of heparins?
Activating antithrombin III
What are common adverse effects of heparins?
- Bleeding
- Thrombocytopenia
- Osteoporosis
- Hyperkalaemia
What is the main difference in administration between standard heparin and LMWH?
- Standard heparin: Intravenous
- LMWH: Subcutaneous
What is heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)?
An immune-mediated condition where antibodies form against complexes of platelet factor 4 (PF4) and heparin
What is the treatment for heparin overdose?
Protamine sulphate
What is fondaparinux and its mechanism of action?
A parenteral anticoagulant that activates antithrombin III to inhibit factor Xa
What is the mechanism of action of warfarin?
Inhibits epoxide reductase preventing the reduction of vitamin K to its active form
What are the indications for warfarin?
- Mechanical heart valves
- Venous thromboembolism
- Atrial fibrillation
What is the target INR for atrial fibrillation treatment with warfarin?
2.5
What factors can potentiate the effects of warfarin?
- Liver disease
- P450 enzyme inhibitors (e.g., amiodarone)
- Cranberry juice
- NSAIDs
What are ‘B’ symptoms in Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
- Weight loss > 10% in last 6 months
- Fever > 38ºC
- Night sweats
What is the most common type of Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Nodular sclerosing
What is the characteristic cell found in Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Reed-Sternberg cell
What is Burkitt’s lymphoma associated with?
c-myc gene translocation, usually t(8:14), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) involvement
What is the ‘starry sky’ appearance in microscopy associated with?
Burkitt’s lymphoma