Cancer Flashcards
What virus could cause an epidemic of cancers in the near future
HPV
What areas of the body can be affected by HPV driven cancers
Back of the tongue or the tonsil
Cervix
When would an endoscopy be useful
Sore on swallowing
Used to examine back of the tongue and epiglottis
When is a FNA useful
In clinic
Determines whether it is benign or malignant
Easy to do
What investigations should be carried out for a suspected cancerous lump
Radiology - US and CT
Endoscopy - biopsy, FNA
Blood is pretty unhelpful
SALT
If a patient presents with malaise and night sweats but other wise well, what should you be considering in your differential
Lymphoma
What proves that the cancer is a viral cause
P16 stain
Others are linked to P18
What virus can cause cancer of the nasopharynx or adenoids
EBV
Where is EBV driven cancer common
Southern china
How do patients sometimes present with an EBV driven cancer
Conductive hearing loss in one ear - similar to glue ear (fluid behind the tympanic membrane)
What occupation can result in cancer in the nose and sinuses and why
Joiners
involvement with Betel nut / hardwood
What risk factor is only causative if it is combined with tobacco
Alcohol
What type of cell can cause cancer of the head an neck
Squamous epithelium
What are some symptoms of cancer of the head and neck
Hoarse voice and a little pain
painful swallowing
stridor
Where is a common place for a lump to develop in the head and neck that is linked to cancer elsewhere.
Why
Just above the left clavicle
Thoracic duct enters jugular vein on the left hand side –> oesophageal or lung cancer spreading via lymph
