Lung Cancer Flashcards
Lung cancer can be ____ or ____ in relation to the site of origin?
Primary or Secondary
Is lung cancer largely aviodable?
Yes.
What are the three most common sites of spread for lung cancer?
Bone, Liver, and Brain
What is the common characteristic of the three most popular sites of metastasis?
They are highly vascularized organs/structures.
Is Lung cancer aggressive, invasive, and meatstatic?
Yes.
What are the four major types of primary Lung Cancer? What is the fifth major type? How can the four major types be further broken down and categorized?
Adenocarcinoma (30%), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (30%), Ig Cell Carcinoma (12%), Small Cell Carcinoma (22%). These four types can be divided into Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer, and Small-Cell Lung Cancer, respectively.
The fifth major type makes up about 5% of primary cancer and is called “mixed-group”.
What is the etiology of Lung Cancer?
Smoking (80%), Toxins, Genetic predisposition
What is an example of a Lung Cancer causing toxin?
Asbestos
What does it mean when there is a genetic disposition to Lung Cancer?
There is a trait amongst smokers which certain people are predisposed to lung cancer.
What is a hilus?
A hilus is a point or area where blood vessels, ducts, nerve fibers enter or leave an organ.
What is the pathophysiology of Squamous Cell Carcinoma?
Squamous Cell Carcinonma is a non-small cell cancer which arises in the central bronchi (Hilum) which spreads to hilar nodes. It is more common in men.
What is a consequence if Squamous cell carcinoma occurs in the left lung/bronchi?
It can affect the heart, and lead to cardiac temponade.
What is the pathophysiology of Adenocarcinoma?
Adrenocarcinoma is of peripheral origin occuring in the alveoli or bronchioles. It is common in women and non-smokers.
What is the pathophysiology of Large Cell Carcinoma?
Large cell carcinoma is of peripheral origin occuring in the alveoli and bronchioles. It is characterized by large undifferentiated cells. It undergoes metasis early and has a poor prognosis.
What is the pathophysiology of Small Cell Carcinoma?
This type of carcinoma is seen in smokers 99% of the time. It is aggressive, invasive, and has early metasis particularily to the brain. It is characterized by small oval cells which are non-resectable. Typically, small cell carcinoma has already undergone metasis at diagnosis. It is radiosensitive. Small cell carcinoma is also known to cause paraneoplastic syndrome.
What does it mean when small cell carcinoma is non-resectable?
Non-resectable small cell carcinoma consists of small diffuse cells which have not formed a large mass. It consists of many tiny tumors, making surgical removal impossible.
What is paraneoplastic syndrome?
Paraneoplastic syndrome is a consequence of cancer in which an ectopic tumour releases hormone-like substances leading to conditions such as Cushing’s Syndrome, and SIADH.
What are the manifestations of Lung Cancer?
Manifestations will be based on the type and location, the extention and metasis, and if there are any paraneoplastic syndroms. Hemoptysis, Pain, and Cardiac manifestations may also present.
What manifestations will be present is the Lung Cancer is central?
Centrally located lung cancer will impair ventilation and lead to coughing, wheezing, and dyspnea.
What is hemoptysis?
The coughing up of blood.
Why might pain present in lung cancer?
Pain could be due to inflammation, but the tumor also needs space, so it will push against other structures.
How is lung cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis is not difficult. First, respiratory infections must be excluded. History, Presentation will follow. Chest X-ray, US, CT, MRI. Bronchoscopy, needle biopsy and cytology.
What is cytology?
Cytology is the examination of tissue samples from the body.
What is treatments for Lung Cancer? How does treatment differ for NSCLC and SCLC?
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Surgery, Radiation and Chemo.
Small Cell Lung Cancer: Chemo and Radiation
What is the prognosis for lung cancer? Why?
Prognosis for lung cancer is poor. This is due to the fact that there is no screen for lung cancer, especially small cell lung cancer.
