lung cancer

Question 1

give some causes of lung cancer

Answer 1

smoking - the biggest cause

radon from rocks that seep through house

workplace chemicals e.g. acetone

air pollution

genetics

other lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis or COPD

Question 2

what 4 types of lung tumour is there and what are the average % incidences for each?

Answer 2

small cell 25%

non-small-cell 40%

large cell 20%

adenocarcinoma 15%

Question 3

what are some signs and symptoms for lung cancer?

Answer 3

cough

haemoptysis (blood-stained sputum)

pneumonia

metastasis - bone liver or brain

dysphagia

superior vena cava obstruction causing oedema and swelling

recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy

Question 4

what role does a dentist have when treating someone at risk or with lung cancer?

Answer 4

ask and record smoking status

advise on the best way to quit smoking - combination of medication and specialist support

act on the patients response - up for it? do not seem bothered?

build confidence, give referrals and information, prescribe

Question 5

what is a stage 1 lung tumour?

Answer 5

localised tumour no spreading to lymph nodes

<5cm

Question 6

what is a stage 2 lung tumour?

Answer 6

localised tumour with spreading to lymph nodes

> 5cm

Question 7

what is a stage 3 lung tumour?

Answer 7

> 7cm localised but spread to a major structure within the chest e.g. another lung

Question 8

what is a stage 4 lung tumour?

Answer 8

cancer in both lungs or has metastasized to another part of the body