Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

CCC Year 4 > Lung cancer > Flashcards

Lung cancer Flashcards

1
Q

Epidemiology of lung cancer - how common is it, what is the prognosis like?

A

Lung cancer is the 3rd most common lung cancer in the UK. More common in men than women.

It contributes to 21% of all cancer deaths and the 5 year survival rate is 10%.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Where in the lungs to the tumours most commonly occur?

A

The epithelium of the large and medium bronchi

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are the risk factors for lung cancer?

A
  1. Genetic predisposition
  2. Cigarette smoking
  3. Deprivation and living circumstances
  4. Increasing/advanced age
  5. History of COPD
  6. Exposure to asbestos, chromium and arsenic and iron oxide
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

When is a patient sent for a 2 week wait urgent referral?

A
  1. over 40 y/o with unexplained haemoptysis
  2. chest x-ray
  3. strong clinical suspicion of lung cancer from history e.g. weight loss alongside haemoptysis
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What investigations can be used to confirm diagnosis of lung cancer?

A
  1. Chest X ray
  2. CT chest and upper abdomen
  3. PET scan for metastases
  4. Bronchoscopy (biopsy)
  5. Tumour markers
  6. Pulmonary function tests
  7. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Small cell lung cancer - what are the risk factors/who is the typical patient?

A

Older patients who has a significant smoking history +/ COPD

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are the 2 Types of lung cancers?

A
  1. Non small cell lung cancer (adenocarcinoma, squamous cell and large cell)
  2. Small cell lung cancer
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

How common is small cell LC?

A

15% of lung cancers

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Prognosis for small cell LC?

A

Highly aggressive, rapid growing and usually metastasised to become inoperable before diagnosis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What neoplastic syndromes is small call lung cancer associated with?

A
  • SIADH
  • Cushing’s
  • Lambert Eaton syndrome
  • Myasthenia Gravis
  • Hypercalcaemia
  • Hypertrophic Pulmonary Osteoarthropathy
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Management of small cell lung cancer

A
  1. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy
  2. Surgery is not appropriate because the tumour type has a very fast doubling time
  3. Brain and chest radiotherapy can be used to reduce risk of metastases
  4. Often relapse quickly after chemotherapy so prognosis is short
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Adenocarcinoma of the lung - who gets it?

A

a. Women
b. Non smokers

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Where are adenocarcinoma tumours most often located?

A

Peripherally located in the lung
Commonly invade the pleura

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are the typical features and clinical presentation of squamous cell carcinoma of the lungs?

A
  1. Tumour is centrally close to bronchi
  2. Associated with cigarette smoking
  3. Hypercalcaemia associated as tumour can secrete PTH
  4. Digital clubbing common
  5. Neoplastic syndrome Hypertrophic Pulmonary Osteoarthropathy
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Which genes are associated with Adenocarcinoma of the lung?

A

EGFR and ALK

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are large cell carcinomas of the lung most associated with?

A
  • Early metastasis
  • Gynaecomastia
  • Galactorrhoea
14
Q

What is mesothelioma?

A

Tumour in the pleura, linked to asbestos exposure. Causes chest pain, SOB, weight loss and pleural thickening.

14
Q

What is a carcinoid tumour of the lung?

A

A slow growing, neuroendocrine tumour that releases serotonin. Can cause serotonin syndrome

15
Q

Pancoast tumours of the lung - what are they, where are they and what are the signs and symptoms?

A

An adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the apex of the lung.

Causes compression of the nerves (recurrent laryngeal) and blood vessels. This causes bovine cough and hoarseness.

Associated with Horner’s syndrome too.

16
Q

General presentation of all lung cancers

A
  1. Cough (persistent)
  2. Dyspnoea
  3. Haemoptysis
  4. Pleuritic chest pain
  5. Associated metastatic pain e.g. bone pain, headaches, RUQ pain
17
Q

Management of non small cell lung cancer

A

Stage 1 and 2 -
Surgery and adjuvant chemo

Radiotherapy given for more peripheral tumours and symptomatic disease and met associated pains

Chemo is the mainstay of treatment for patients with metastatic or locally advanced disease either Carboplatin and Gemcitabine or Carboplatin/Cisplatin and Pemetrexed

Docetaxel as second line

18
Q

Contraindications for surgical tx of lung cancer(s)

A

Superior vena cava obstruction
Poor FEV1
Malignant pleural effusion
Vocal cord paralysis

19
Q

What is malignant pleural effusion?

A

A pleural effusion that develops as a direct extension of cancer into the pleural space, or due to inflammation induced by malignancy.

MPEs are most commonly secondary to lung cancer, with adenocarcinoma type most frequently associated with the development of pleural effusion.

20
Q

Small cell lung cancer management

A

Vast majority of patients will receive palliative chemotherapy and prophylactic radiotherapy to the brain for prevention of mets (cranial irridation).

CISPLATIN + ETOPOSIDE are used in this chemotherapy.

21
Q

Prognosis of small cell lung cancer

A

Without chemotherapy or other treatment types = 2-4 months
With chemotherapy = 6-12 months

CCC Year 4 (16 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions