Gas Exchange: Lung Cancer Flashcards
What are the three types of non-small-cell carcinoma?
- adenocarcinoma
- squamous cell carcinoma
- large-cell carcinoma (bronchiolar or alveolar)
What type of carcinomas are the majority of bronchogenic carcinomas?
small-cell carcinomas
Describe small-cell carcinomas
metastasis early, mainly via lymph; prognosis poor
Where are adenocarcinomas typically found and what happens with metastasis?
they are usually found in the peripheral bronchi and metastasis occurs before they are found
Where are squamous cell carcinomas typically found and what population typically get them?
Typically found in the bronchial epithelium and spread via direct extension; usually a cigarette smoker
What does T stand for?
Primary Tumor
What does TX stand for?
Primary tumor cannot be assessed
What does TO stand for?
No evidence of primary tumor
What does T1, 2, 3 stand for?
increasing size/local extent of tumor
What does M stand for?
Distant Metastasis
What does MX stand for?
No Assessment
What does M0 stand for?
No distant Metastasis
What does M1 stand for?
Distant metastasis
What does N stand for?
Regional Lymph nodes
What does NX stand for?
Regional lymph nodes cannot be assessed
What does N0 stand for?
no regional lymph node metastasis
What does N 1, 2, 3 stand for?
increasing involvement of lymph node
What are the risk factors for lung cancer?
- incidence increases with age
- commonly over age 50
- Cigarette smoking most significant cause of lung cancer (approximately 90% of cases related to smoking)
- Exposure to ionizing radiation
- Inhaled irritants
- Radon exposure (pit mines, quarries)
What inhaled irritants are usually seen?
Mesotheliomas (chlorine, ozone, sulfur dioxide, asbestos)
What are some ways to prevent lung cancer?
- refraining or stopping smoking (quitting before age 40 important)
- Prevent environmental and occupational exposure to known carcinogens (radon, asbestos)
What will happen to your lungs the minute you stop smoking and what is the goal of smoking cessation?
The minute you quit smoking, your lung function will improve. The goal of smoking cessation is to improve lung function.
What does OSHA do with regard to work-related exposure to irritants?
OSHA has protections to prevent illness/exposure
What are the s/s of lung cancer?
- pneumonitis that fails to resolve
- pleural effusion w/ SOB
- Cough or increased cough w/ sputum
- hemoptysis
- Wheezing or dyspnea
- Chest pain
- Late: anorexia; fatigue; weight loss; pain
- Recurrent PNA
- Voice hoarseness
Which of the clinical manifestations are early signs?
- SOB
- Cough
- Hemoptysis
Which of the clinical manifestations are late signs?
- chest pain
- worsening SOB
- Wheezing
- Increased hemoptysis