Clinical Features of Lung Cancer and Staging Flashcards
How much of lung cancer is smoking responsible for?
More than 85%
Who is most likely to get lung cancer?
Men and the elderly
What are the risk factors of lung cancer?
Smoking Passive smoking Asbestos Radon Air pollution Diesel exhaust
What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
Chronic coughing Coughing up blood Wheezing sound Chest and bone pain Chest infection Nail clubbing Unexplained weight loss Shortness of breath Raspy, hoarse voice Difficulty swallowing
What are the signs of lung cancer?
Chest signs Clubbing Lymphadenopathy Horner's syndrome Pancoast tumour Superior vena cava obstruction Lymphadenopathy Hepatomegaly Skin nodules
What are the initial investigations necessary for suspected lung cancer?
X-ray Full blood count Renal, liver function and calcium test Clotting screen Spirometry
What is staging in tumours?
It is a way to tell how much the cancer has developed by using tumour size and the proximity of the tumour to vessels and chest wall.
What are the common ways to carry out tissue diagnosis?
Bronchoscopy
EBUS - endobronchial ultrasound
Image guided biopsy
What are some of the different types of lung cancer?
Small cell carcinoma
Adenocarcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
Large cell carcinoma
What does the prognosis of lung cancer depend on?
Staging and cell type
What is TNM staging?
Tumour nodal involvement metastasis staging that is based on the metastasis of the cancer
What are PET scans used for?
PET scan is mandatory for secondary screening to make sure the cancer has not spread. Detects micro-metastasis around the lungs
What has to be taken into consideration when deciding on a treatment plan?
Patients performance status
Patients wishes
Histological type and stage of lung cancer
Radical or palliative
How is performance status rated?
0 - fully active 1 - symptoms but mobile 2 - unable to work 3 - limited self care 4 - bed or chair bound
What are the treatment options for lung cancer?
Surgery
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy
