lung cancer Flashcards
4 different types of cells that comprise bronchial carcinomas
small cell
non small cell = adenocarcinoma, squamous cell, large cell
most common type of cell involved in bronchial carcinoma in UK ?
squamous cell
most common cell type in lung cancer of non-smokers?
adenocarcinomas
common location of adenocarcinoma on CXR?
peripheral lung fields
why is hoarse voice a possible symptom in lung cancer?
tumour spreading to compress the laryngeal nerve
symptoms of a pancoast tumour?
spread to lung apices, weakness/pain/neurological deficits in corresponding arm with posible horners syndrome (ptosis, miosis anhidrosis)
someone with known lung cancer presents with swelling of the face, distension of neck and upper chest veins and edema of upper limbs -> what is going on?
superior vena cava obstruction due to tumour
local effects of lung cancer
cough haemoptysis breathlessness chest pain hoarse voice pancoast tumour sx + horner's syndrome diaphragmatic palsy recurrent infections SVC obstruction stridor
common areas of lung cancer metastasis
mediastinum lymph nodes liver bone adrena glands brain
possible paraneoplastic effects of lung tumour
cushing’s syndrome
SIADH
hypercalcaemia
which type of lung cancer is more associated with endocrine complications?
small cell carcinomas
what are the symptoms of SIADH
over production of ADH leads to fluid retension, reduced urine output, decreased serum osmolality, hyponatraemia
finger changes associated with lung cancer
finger clubbing
investigations in suspected lung cancer
chest xray - repeated
bronchoscopy + biopsy
CT scan
PET scan
what should be considered whenever a lung tumour is seen?
if it is the primary tumour or if it is a metastasis from somewhere else
