Lung Cancer Flashcards

1
Q

What are the 3 types of lung cancer?

A
  1. Small cell
  2. Non-small cell
  3. Unknown - patients too ill to undergo full diagnostics
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2
Q

Describe small cell cancer and what treatment is best used against it?

A

Rapidly prograssive and metastasises early

Rarely suitabe for surgery as a result

Responsive to chemotherapy

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3
Q

Describe non-small cell cancer and the best treatment against it?

A

Includes squamous and adeno carcinomas

Slower to proliferate compared with small cell

Surgery and chemotherapy are the best treatment options

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4
Q

Which cancers have the best chance of survival?

A

Non-small cell

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5
Q

In terms of cancer what can a PET scan determine?

A

Positron emission tomography

Shows metastasis by highlighting highly metabolically active areas

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6
Q

What are the two main types of lung cancer surgery?

A

Pneumonectomy - lung removed

Lobectomy - lobe removed

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7
Q

What is a thoracotomy?

A

An incision into the chest wall

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8
Q

What is cytotoxic chemotherapy?

A

Whole body IV treatment that targets rapidly dividing cells

Good for small cell

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9
Q

What are some side effects of cytotoxic chemotherapy?

A
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Tiredness
  • Bone marrow suppression - opportunistic infection, anaemia
  • Hair loss
  • Pulmonary fibrosis
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10
Q

Describe radiotherapy

A

Ionising radiation with eother a curative or palliative intent is directed at tumour

Useful for metastases

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11
Q

What is a maximum accumulated dose?

A

This is the maximum amount of radition that a patient can be exposed to before it can be damaging

This is why it is important to use this dose strategically

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12
Q

How can the exposure to radiotherpy me minimised in surrounding tissues, but maximised at the tumour site?

A

By using multiple beam angles aimed at the tumour

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13
Q

What is photodynamic therapy?

A

A photosensitizer (drug) is taken, when it coincides with light of a certain wavelength it released reactive oxygen species

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14
Q

Which palliative treatment is commonly used to extend patients’ lives?

A

Palliative radiotherapy

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15
Q

What can cause lung cancer?

A
  • Smoking
  • Asbestos
  • Radon gas
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16
Q

How can lung cancer be prevented?

A

Not smoking

Avoiding risk factors