Lung cancer Flashcards
refer along 2 week suspected cancer pathway if:
- CXR finding suggest lung cancer
- aged over 40 with unexplained haemoptysis
offer urgent CXR within 2 weeks to assess for lung cancer in people aged 40 and over if they have 2 or more of the following unexplained symptoms or have ever smoked and have 1 of following
- cough
- fatigue
- SoB
- chest pain
- weight loss
- apetite loss
consider urgent CXR to assess for lung cancer in people aged 40 and over with any of the following
- persistent/recurrent chest infections
- finger clubbing
- supraclavicular lymphadenopathy
- chest signs consistent with lung cancer
- thrombocytosis
staging system for lung cancer
TNM
T - tumour
N - nodes
M - metastases
T1 tumour
less than 3 cm
T2 tumour
3-7 cm
or
involves main bronchus > 2cm from trache
T3 tumour
> 7 cm OR invades chest wall OR separate nodule same lobe
T4 tumour
invades local structures e.g. mediastinum, heart, trachea
inoperable
Nodal staging
N0 - no nodes
N1 - local ipsilateral node
N2 - ipsilateral mediastinal nodes
N3 - contralateral mediastinal nodes
brain metastases and lung cancer
1/3 those with lung cancers are thought to develop brain metastases
investigation of choice for Brain metastases
contrast enhanced brain MRI
management of brain mets w/ oedema
Dexamethasone 8mg BD PO
what should be checked prior to starting steroids
blood glucose
because steroids can exacerbate diabetes
what is the 1 year survival or patients diagnosed with lung cancer in the UK
30%
symptoms of SVC obstruction and how can they be relived instantly?
- dilated veins on upper chest
- red suffused eyes
- SoB: worse on lying down
- swelling of an arm
SVC stent