Lung Cancer Flashcards
1
Q
Small cell
A
- few cases
- very aggressive
- metastasis often on presentation
- paraneoplastic
2
Q
Non-small cell
A
- most of the cases (85%)
- more localized symptoms
- early metastasis common
- typically grouped together
- responsible for most instances of lung cancer
- all respond similarly to treatments
- prognosis is better
3
Q
Adenocarcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Large Cell Carcinoma
A
Non-small cell
4
Q
Etiology of Lung Cancer
A
- epithelial cells of the bronchi and bronchioles mutate and over time become neoplastic
- some genetic abnormalities
- alterations to tumor suppressor genes
5
Q
Risk Factors
A
- over 50
- genetics
- exposure to radon, asbestos, etc…
- smoking (90% of cases linked to smoking)
* *non smokers have decreased incidence when compared to those who once smoked but stopped
* *cessation does still lower the risk however
6
Q
Smoking
A
- Pack years to describe history of tobacco
- # of years smoking X # of packs a day
7
Q
Clinical Manifestations of Lung Cancer
A
- Respiratory (coughing, wheezing, etc…)
- Hard to distinguish from smoking or bronchitis
- Hemoptysis
- Chest pain
- Paraneoplastic symptoms
- Systemic effects after metastasis (dysphagia, mediastinal pain especially)
8
Q
Diagnosis
A
- chest x-ray
- bronchoscopy
- CT scan
- Biopsy
- Pulmonary function tests
- ABGs
- Rule out TB
- Sputum specimen (if its negative, doesn’t necessarily rule out cancer)
9
Q
Medical Treatments
A
- Surgery
- Pharmacological
- Radiation
10
Q
Surgery
A
- resection of lung(s)
- lobectomy
- wedge/sleeve resection
Goal is to leave as much healthy tissue as possible
11
Q
Pharmacological
A
- bronchodilators
- analgesics
- chemo
12
Q
Radiation
A
- EBR with chemo
- brachytherapy
13
Q
Lung Transplantation
A
- immunosuppressant
- compromised host precautions
- PT/OT to help open tissue and ensure function post op
14
Q
Health Assessment of Lung Cancer Patient
A
- lung sounds diminished, wheezing, crackles, stridor, rhonchi
- alteration in chest expansion
- Increased RR, tachypneic, shallow
- Decreased tidal volume
- accessory muscles
- Coughing
15
Q
Nursing Diagnoses for Lung Cancer
A
- ineffective airway clearance
- ineffective gas exchange
- altered breathing patterns
