Lung Cancer Flashcards
What is the difference between a primary and secondary pleural malignancy?
Mesothelioma
Metastases
What is mesothelioma?
Cancer of pleural lining due to asbestos exposure gradually developing over 30-40 years
How do you diagnose mesothelioma?
Thoracoscopy (biopsy) —> Histology - BLOODY PLEURAL FLUID
CXR/CT - PLEURAL THICKENING
What are the common signs of mesothelioma?
Sweating SOB Reccurent pleural effusions Chest pain Weight loss Fever
Treatment options for mesothelioma…
Palliative care, chemo, and rarely radiotherapy/surgery
The prevalence of lung cancer is low. True/False?
True Incidence is high, but patients do not live for very long
List some risk factors for lung cancer…
Smoking Atmospheric pollution Nickel Asbestos Genetics
List some signs for lung cancer…
Pneumonia, chest pain, haemoptysis, weight loss
What does ectopic production of PTH suggest?
Squamous cell cancer
What does ectopic production of ACTH suggest?
Small cell cancer
What symptom arises due to damage of the recurrent laryngeal nerve?
Hoarse voice
Pancoast tumours typically affect which part(s) of the lung? What does it manifest as?
Apex
Invasion of cervical sympathetic chain —>
Horners syndrome - unilateral ptosis, small pupil, anhydrosis
Name the 4 types of lung tumour classifications in order of severity and give their main effect
Small cell carcinoma : —> ADH (HYPONATRAEMIA)
Large cell carcinoma : —> GYNAECOMASTIA
Squamous cell carcinoma —> HYPERCALCAEMIA (increased PT gland)
Adenocarcinoma —> BLUE MUCIN, HYPERTROPHIC PULMONARY OSTEOARTHROPATHY/ FINGER CLUBBING
Are adenocarcinomas most assocated with smoking or non-smoking?
Non-smoking - smokers typically have squamous carcinomas
Common sites of lung cancer metastases (5)
Liver Brain Bone Adrenals Skin