Cancer Patients Flashcards
A pt presents with seizures. What are 5 DDx?
Infection, change in biochemical state, drug side effect, cerebrovascular or primary / secondary cancer
What investigations would you do for someone preserving with seizure?
Bloods: FBC, U&E, LFTs, Mg, Ca, CRP,
Tox screen
CT head
What is the Tx for someone having a seizure?
Anti epileptics
High dose dexamethasone
MRI head
CT CAP
What cancers are likely to lead to cord compression?
Breast, lung, kidney, thyroid, prostate
List Sx of cord compression
Weakness, numbness, change in urological function, change in bowel habit, change in sexual function
What is the Tx for cord compression?
High dose dexamethasone
Urgent MRI spine
Why does Tx need to be fast for cord compression?
Nerves start to die within 24hrs
What increases the risk of PE other than DVT risk factors?
Cancer and chemotherapy
What is the Tx for PE?
LMWH
Why is having pneumonia and cancer together a worry?
The consolidation from pneumonia will hide the lung cancer on CXR
What is the treatment for SVC obstruction?
Sit forward and give O2
Anticoagulate
What 3 cancers can cause SBO?
Colon, ovarian and gastric
Which 3 cancers need fast diagnosis?
Small cell lung cancer
Lymphoma
Germ cell tumours eg ovarian
What is the prognosis for small cell lung cancer?
2-4 month survival with no Tx, 20 months w Tx
What Ix are needed for ?lymphoma?
Needle biopsy
CT neck and CAP
FBC inc ESR, Ca, LDH
What is the peak age for testicular cancer?
25-35 and 55-65yrs
List 2 tumour markers for testicular cancer
BHcG and AFP
What is the general prognosis for testicular cancer?
Very good
What are the ‘just in case’ drugs that should be prescribed if someone is expected to die shortly?
Morphine 2.5mg
Midazolam 2.5mg
Glycopyvrronium 200mcg
Haloperidol 0.5mg
What is morphine for ?
Pain
What is midazolam for?
Agitation
What is glycopyvronium for?
Respiratory secretions
What is haloperidol for?
Nausea and vomitting
