Lecture 17 - Lung Cancer Flashcards
What is the main risk factor for lung cancer?
Smoking
How quickly do we aim to test people for lung cancer following referral?
2weeks
Why may an electrician be at increased risk of lung cancer?
Likely exposure to asbestos
What is a sign that may indicate lung cancer?
Persistence of cough even after infection treatments
Why does lung cancer have the highest related deaths worldwide?
Lots of people smoke
Why does lung cancer have a low survival rate?
Most people who present with lung cancer are at a later stage so have a poorer prognosis
What is the median estimate survival for lung cancer patients?
316 days
Why do patients who are older have poorer lung cancer survival rates?
Smoking likely lead to more Co-morbidities:
-COPD
-Cardiovascular issues
What are the top 4 causes of cancer death in the uK?
Lung
Colorectal
Breast
Prostate
What are other risk factors for lung cancer that aren’t smoking?
Asbestos
Background radiation (rado in rocks in Cornwall)
Occupational carcinogens (chromium, nickel,arsenic)
Genetics (Asian)
Why is lung cancer screening useful?
Detects lung cancer before symptomatic so gives patient better prognosis
What conditions does a disease need to meet to be eligible for a screening programme?
Disease serious consqeunces
High prevalence of detectable disease
Little overdiagnosis
Test causes little morbidity
Test affordable and available
Treatment exists
Treatment not too risky or toxic
What is the point of cancer staging?
May determine treatment options (surgery early stage, chemo late)
Determine prognosis
What is the staging system for lung cancer?
TNM staging
What is TNM staging?
What do the letters stand for?
Staging system for solid cancers
T = tumour
N = nodes
M = metastases
What is the goal of screening?
What is stage shift?
We want more people to present at earlier stages since they have a better prognosis
What is meant by T in the TNM staging system?
Tumor
Depends on:
How big
Where it is
How many nodules
What is meant by N nodes in the TNM staging system?
N0
N1
N2
N3
N0 = no regional lymph node metastases
N1 = metastases in 1 lymph nodes on same side
N2 = metastasis in mediastinum lymph nodes
N3 = lymph node metastasis in opposite lung
Look at slide 23:
Which colour indicates N1 and then N2?
N1 = red
N2 = blue
Where are the most common locations for lung cancer to metastasise to?
Brain
Liver
Adrenals
Bone
What special imaging is done for lung cancer?
What is this?
Staging CT
Imaging done all the way down to the kidneys
What stage of cancer do we consider curable?
Up to stage 2
Onwards not currently operable or treatable