Cancer Flashcards
What is the main symptom of primary lung tumour?
Haemoptysis
What can happen to lung volume as a cancer grows?
Lung volume can decrease
Why do lungs shrink as tumours grow?
The tumours obstruct parts of the bronchial tree, all the air beyond an obstruction becomes absorbed and the lung tissue shrinks down causing a reduction iN size.
What are the main presentations of primary lung cancer?
Haemoptysis, recurrent pneumonia and stridor.
Which surrounding structure can primary lung tumours invade?
Recurrent lanyrgeal nerve Pericardium Oesophagus Brachial plexus Pleural cavity Superior vena cava
What is a symptom of recurrent layrngeal nerve palsy?
Hoarse voice
Paralysis of vocal cords
What can local invasion of the pericardium cause?
Atrial fibrillation
Pericardial effusion
Dyspnoea
What can local invasion of the oesophagus cause?
Dysphagia for solids.
What is a Pancoast tumour?
A tumour in the lung apex.
Where can Pancoast tumours invade?
The brachial plexus (muscle wastage in hand and arm) Brachiocephalic vein Subclavian artery Phrenic nerve Recurrent laryngeal nerve Sympathetic Ganglion (Horner's Syndrome)
What can local invasion of the pleural space cause?
Accumulation of excess pleural fluid. Often litres.
Presenting symptom breathlessness
What can local invasion of the superior vena cava cause?
Obstructs drainage of blood from arms and head.
-Puffy eyelids and a headache
Anastomoses with the IVC
Where can lung cancer metastasise to?
Liver Brain Bone Adrenal glands Skin Lung
What would be the clinical presentation for a lung tumour that invades the chest wall?
Localised chest wall pain, worse on movement.
When there’s bone erosion the patient will describe paroxysmal pain.
How would you treat a cerebral metastases?
High dose corticosteroid therapy e.g Dexomethasone.
Temporary relief of symptoms (few weeks) by removing oedema
