Lung cancer

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

Type of cancer that begins in the lungs

Question 2

Epidemiology

Answer 2

Leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide

Question 3

Aetiology

Answer 3

Smoking causes the majority of lung cancers- both actual smokers and people exposed to second hand smoke
– doctors believe smoking damages the cells that line the lungs which can cause lung cancer

In people that have never smoked or been exposed to second hand smoke, the cause of the cancer would be unknown.

Question 4

Risk factors

Answer 4

Smoking

exposure to second hand smoke

previous radiation therapy

exposure to radon gas

exposure to asbestos and other carcinogens

family history of lung cancer

Question 5

Clinical presentation

Answer 5

Doesn’t cause signs and symptoms in its early stages, symptoms dont usually occur until the disease is more advanced.

– new cough that doesn’t go away
– haemoptysis
– shortness of breath
– chest pain
– hoarseness
– losing weight without trying
– bone pain
– headache
– skeletal clubbing of fingers
– painful wrists and ankles
– can spread to the sympathetic ganglion causing Horners syndrome

Pancoast tumours:
– tumours in the apex of the lungs (top of the lungs)
– can invade the brachial plexus, and caused C8-T1 radiculopathy, muscle wasting in the hand and also weakness, as well as pain radiating down the arm.

Question 6

Small-cell lung cancer

Answer 6

20-30%

Arises from endocrine cells

Poor prognosis

Treated with chemotherapy

Question 7

Non small-cell lung cancer

Answer 7

Squamous (40%):
– local spread is common

Large cell (25%)

Adenocarcinoma (10%):
– most common lung cancer associated with asbestos exposure