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Y1 Alimentary > Cancer > Flashcards

Cancer Flashcards

1
Q

Where are gastrointestinal cancers found?

A 
Oesophageal
Stomach
Biliary system
Pancreatic
Colorectal - small intestine, large intestine, colon and anus
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2
Q

What are the two types of oesophageal cancer?

A

Adenocarcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma

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3
Q

Where are adenocarcinomas found on oesophageal cancer?

A

Occurs in the columnar epithelium that lines the lower 1/3rd of the oesophagus.

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4
Q

What are adenocarcinomas related to and associated with in oesophageal cancer?

A

Related to acid reflux - repeated damage to the epithelium. Also associated with obesity, but due to unknown cause, tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption.

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5
Q

What are the details of development of adenocarcinoma - stages?

A 
Normal epithelium
Hyperplasia - abnormal proliferation of epithelial cells
Development of adenomatous polyps
Development of adenocarcinoma
Metastasis
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6
Q

Where does squamous cell carcinoma occur?

A

Occurs in the squamous epithelium that lines the upper 2/3rds of the oesophagus.

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7
Q

What are the main causes of squamous cell carcinoma in oesophageal cancer

A

Main causes are tobacco smoking and chewing, alcohol consumption, and ingestion of caustic substances.

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8
Q

What is the link between squamous cell oesophageal carcinoma and alcohol

A

acetaldehyde metabolite, which damages the epithelial cells. This is more common in the Asian population, where mutations in the acetaldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme leads to build up of this metabolite, increasing the risk of cancer

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9
Q

What are the stages of development of a squamous cell carcinoma

A

Normal epithelium
Metaplasia - development of abnormal squamous cell
Dysplasia - proliferation of abnormal cells
Severe dysplasia - almost all cells are abnormal
Development of squamous cell carcinoma
Metastasis

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10
Q

What are early symptoms of oesphageal cancer?

A

Difficulty and pain when swallowing
Weight loss - due to lack of nutrition
Pain in the breast bone and stomach, or a feeling of reflux

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11
Q

What are early symptoms of oesphageal cancer due to?

A

Symptoms do not usually appear until a >50% of the circumference of the oesophagus is cancerous. This is due to the tumour narrowing the tube.

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12
Q

What are late symptoms of oesphageal cancer?

A

Nausea, vomiting, and regurgitation of food

Vomiting blood, due to trauma to the tumour

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13
Q

What are examples of clincal investigations used to test for oesophageal cancer?

A

Endoscopy, called an ‘oesophagogastroduodenoscopy’. Includes using a camera to observe the tumour, and a biopsy to evaluate the cells by histology
CT scan to check for metastasis
Endoscopic ultrasound - to determine level of invasion

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14
Q

What are treatment options for oesophageal cancer?

A

Surgery
In early stages, the tumour may be removed from the oesophageal wall
Oesophagectomy - removal of part of the oesophagus
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy

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15
Q

Where does colorectal cancer occur

A

Colon or rectum

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16
Q

What are the main causes of colorectal cancer?

A

The main causes are old age, and lifestyle factors including diet (link to consumption of red meat and processed meat), alcohol, obesity, tobacco smoking and lack of physical activity.

17
Q

What is a screening option for colorectal cancer?

A

Faecal sample testing for presence of blood - offered every 2 years for those over 60 yrs old

18
Q

What is the five year survival rate of colorectal cancer in europe?

A

60%

19
Q

What are the risk factors of colorectal cancer?

A

Family History
Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohns, ulcerative colitis)
Specific inherited conditions
Familial adenomatous polyposis, Hereditary non-polposis colon cancer, Lynch Syndrome
Uncontrolled Ulcerative Colitis
Age
Previous Polyps

20
Q

What are symptoms of colorectal cancer?

A 
Worsening constipation
Blood in the stool
Loss of appetite
Loss of weight
Nausea and Vomiting
Rectal bleeding
Anemia
21
Q

What are investigation options for colon cancer?

A 
Abdominal radiograohy (X-ray
Plain computer tomography (CT)
Barium Enema
Colonoscopy
CT virtual colonoscopy
22
Q

What are treatment options for colorectal cancer?

A

Surgery - removal of the tumour via colonoscopy or laparotomy. This may result in removal of large parts of the colon, resulting in a colostomy.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy

23
Q

Why do patients with GI cancer have a higher risk of malnutrition

A

Poor digestion

Malabsorption

24
Q

What triad is associated with pancreatic cancer?

A 
Silent killer with non specific symptoms
Virchow’s triad - 
Pain 70%
Anorexia 10% 
Weight loss 10%

Y1 Alimentary (21 decks)

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