Cancer Flashcards
why can lung infections be a symptom of cancer
a tumour may block the movement of mucus/sputum - this stasis makes it more likely for infection
what is horners syndrome
where a pan coats tumour impinges on the sympathetic trunk and the lower brachial plexus
what are the symptoms of horners syndrome
partial ptosis
constricted pupil
wastage of small muscles in the hand
what is seen in vena cava obstruction
engorged neck/check veins
bloated face
why might the diaphragm be elevated in lung cancer
the tumour may impinge on the phrenic nerve
what are the 3 types of non-small cell cancer
squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma
what type of lung cancer is most common in non smokers
non-small cell adenocarcinoma
what are the differences between small cell and Non small cell carcinomas
small cell metastasises faster, grows faster and is found more centrally in the lungs around the bronchi
what are the 3 types of lung cancer
small cell, non-small cell and rare tumours
where can lung cancer spread
regional lymph nodes, brain, lungs, adrenal glands, bone, pleura
what investigations are done with suspected lung cancer
CXR, staging CT, PET scan, biopsy
what does a PET scan look out for
increased glucose uptake anywhere in the body - this looks for mets
what is a staging CT
like a chest CXR but can also see some of the abdomen to look for mets to the liver and adrenal glands
what paraneoplastic effects can small cell cancer have
- Cushing’s syndrome as they cans secrete ATCH
- SIADH as they can secrete ADH leading to low sodium
what paraneoplastic effects can non small cell cancer have
can give high calcium as they secrete parathyroid related peptide hormone which acts like PTH
