Corrections Flashcards
Inheritance of neurofibromatosis?
Autosomal dominant
What condition can cafe au lait spots be seen in?
Neurofibromatosis type 1
What types of cancer can the following chemicals cause:
1) benzene
2) aromatic amines
3) vinyl chloride
4) wood dust
1) leukaemia
2) angiosarcoma
3) bladder cancer (TCC)
4) nadal adenocarcinoma
Which HPV strains are most commonly associated with cervical & anal cancer?
HPV 16 & 18
What cancer is strongly linked to H. pylori infection?
Gastric MALT lymphoma
Describe the TNM staging for cancer
T (size):
TX - can’t be assessed
T0 - no evidence of tumour
Tis - in situ
T1-T4 - increasing in size and/or local extent
N (nodal involvement):
NX - can’t be assessed
N0 - no nodal involvement
N1-N3 - increasing involvement in lymph nodes
M (distant mets):
MX - can’t be assessed
M0 - no mets
M1 - distant mets
What 2 key conditions can cause a raised hCG in women?
1) Pregnancy
2) Germ cell tumour (think choriocarcinoma)
What type of pregnancy is a choriocarcinoma more common following?
Molar pregnancy
What is the most common medical emergency amongst oncology and haematology patients?
Neutropenic sepsis
What are some possible sources of infection in neutropenic sepsis?
1) Chest
2) Urinary
3) Skin
4) GI
5) Indwelling devices e.g. cannula/central line
When taking blood cultures in neutropenic sepsis, how many samples are required? Where must they be taken from?
At least 2 sets from a peripheral vein
What microbiological cultures are indicated in neutropenic sepsis (if unsure of source)?
1) Wounds
2) Urine
3) Stools
4) Sputum
5) Line tip
What investigation should be done if an atypical chest source is suspected, such as Pneumocystis jirovecii?
Bronchoalveolar lavage
Typical 1st line abx in neutropenic sepsis?
IV tazocin (piperacillin + tazobactam)
What can be used for prophylaxis in reducing risk of neutropenic sepsis?
Recombinant granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) e.g. Filgrastim
Works by stimulating the bone marrow to produce neutrophils and may form part of specific chemotherapy regimens.
Risk of mortality in neutropenic sepsis?
10%
What is the most common presenting symptom in MSCC?
Back pain
MSCC vs cauda equina?
Both usually presents with pain and weakness and should be treated the same way.
MSCC:
- Compression of spinal cord by cancer/metastasis
- UMN pattern of weakness
Cauda equina:
- Compression occurring at or below level of cauda equina (typically L1)
- LMN pattern of weakness
Describe weakness pattern seen in MSCC vs cauda equina
MSCC causes a pyramidal pattern of weakness:
- increased tone in both legs
- bilateral weakness in flexors
- brisk reflexes
- upgoing plantars
Cauda equina typically causes LMN weakness:
- flaccid tone in both legs
- bilateral weakness
- reduced or absent reflexes
- absent plantars
Describe sacral senstation in MSCC vs cauda equina
Sacral sensation is lost in cauda equina syndrome, but may be preserved MSCC
What is a key bedside investigation in MSCC?
Bladder scan to look for urinary retention
Top 5 cancers that cause MSCC?
1) Prostate
2) Lung
3) Breast
4) Renal
5) Myeloma
Initial mx of suspected MSCC?
16mg dexamethasone + PPI cover
What is most common definitive mx option in MSCC?
Radiotherapy
What type of cancer most commonly causes SVCO?
Small cell lung cancer
What sign is examined for in suspected SVCO?
Pemberton’s sign –> pt lifts arms above head, worsening of symptoms
What may a CXR show in SVCO?
1) Widening of superior mediastinum
2) Right hilar prominance to indicate a mediastinal mass
Where is mediastinal mass seen on CXR in SVCO?
Right hilar prominance (compressing SVC)
What is the imaging of choice in SVCO?
CT chest w/ contrast
How many samples must be taken before diagnosing hypercalcaemia?
2 separate samples on 2 separate occasions
What are the 3 main mechanisms that result in hypercalcaemia of malignancy?
1) PTHrP secretion
2) Bony lesions (osteolytic)
3) Calcitriol secretion
What is the most common mechanism causing hypercalcaemia in malignancy?
PTHrP secretion
Via what 2 mechanisms does PTHrP secretion result in hypercalcaemia?
1) Stimulates osteoclastic resorption of bone and inhibits osteoblastic formation of bone
2) Reduces calcium clearance in kidney
what vitamin is needed for calcium absorption?
vitamin D (calcitriol is the active form)
What type of cancers does calcitriol-mediated hypercalcaemia usually occur in?
Lymphoma
Via what mechanism does multiple myeloma typically cause hypercalcaemia?
Osteolytic bone mets
Via what mechanism does squamous cell lung cancer typically cause hypercalcaemia?
PTHrP secretion
What are 2 key medications that can worsen hypercalcaemia?
1) Thiazide diuretics
2) Lithium
How does hypercalcaemia affect the kidneys?
Can lead to AKI due to:
a) reduced GFR
b) increased sodium excretion
c) depletion of total body water
PTH levels in malignancies producing PTHrP?
Often suppressed
2 key medical mx options in hypercalcaemia?
1) IV fluids
2) Bisphosphonates