Lung Cancer Flashcards
What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer is a malignant tumour originating in the lungs, commonly associated with smoking and environmental exposures.
What are the main types of lung cancer?
The main types are small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.
What is the most common type of lung cancer?
Adenocarcinoma is the most common type, particularly in non-smokers.
What are the common symptoms of lung cancer?
Symptoms include persistent cough, haemoptysis, dyspnoea, chest pain, and weight loss.
What are the signs of lung cancer on clinical examination?
Signs may include clubbing, hoarseness, cervical lymphadenopathy, and signs of superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction.
What is the pathophysiology of lung cancer?
It involves genetic mutations in lung epithelial cells, leading to uncontrolled proliferation, invasion of nearby tissues, and potential metastasis.
What are the risk factors for lung cancer?
Risk factors include smoking, exposure to asbestos, radon, air pollution, and a family history of lung cancer.
What paraneoplastic syndromes are associated with small cell lung cancer?
Syndromes include SIADH, Cushing’s syndrome, and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome.
What is the role of CT in diagnosing lung cancer?
CT scans provide detailed imaging to identify tumours, assess their size, location, and potential metastasis.
What is the role of PET-CT in lung cancer diagnosis?
PET-CT helps in staging lung cancer by identifying metabolic activity in tumours and potential metastatic sites.
How is lung cancer definitively diagnosed?
Diagnosis is confirmed by tissue biopsy obtained through bronchoscopy, CT-guided biopsy, or thoracoscopy.
What are the common sites of metastasis for lung cancer?
Common sites include the brain, liver, adrenal glands, and bones.
What is the TNM staging system in lung cancer?
TNM stands for Tumour size, Node involvement, and Metastasis, used to stage lung cancer and guide treatment decisions.
What is the treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)?
Treatment includes surgery (for early-stage disease), chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies depending on the stage and molecular profile.
What is the treatment for small cell lung cancer (SCLC)?
Treatment typically involves chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as surgery is rarely an option due to rapid progression and early metastasis.
What targeted therapies are used in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)?
Targeted therapies include EGFR inhibitors (e.g., erlotinib), ALK inhibitors (e.g., crizotinib), and immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., pembrolizumab).
What is the role of palliative care in lung cancer?
Palliative care focuses on symptom management, improving quality of life, and addressing psychosocial needs in advanced lung cancer.
What lifestyle modifications can reduce the risk of lung cancer?
Smoking cessation, avoiding exposure to carcinogens, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce risk.
What are the complications of lung cancer?
Complications include pleural effusion, SVC obstruction, recurrent infections, and metastatic spread.
What is the prognosis for lung cancer?
Prognosis depends on the stage and type of cancer; early-stage disease has a better prognosis, while advanced-stage disease has a poor outlook.
What is superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction in lung cancer?
SVC obstruction occurs when a tumour compresses the SVC, leading to facial swelling, distended neck veins, and dyspnoea.
What investigations are used to assess lung function before surgery?
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) assess lung function to ensure the patient can tolerate surgery.
What is the global burden of lung cancer?
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with high incidence in both smokers and non-smokers exposed to environmental risk factors.
What are the differential diagnoses for lung cancer?
Differential diagnoses include tuberculosis, lung abscess, sarcoidosis, and benign lung nodules.
What vaccinations are recommended for lung cancer patients?
Annual influenza vaccination and pneumococcal vaccination are recommended to reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
