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
