Lung Cancer Flashcards
four types of lung cancer
- squamous cell carcinoma
- small cell
- adenocarcinoma
- large cell
what does squamous cell carcinoma secrete?
PTH
where are squamous cell carcinomas often located in the lung?
central lesions
what does small cell secrete?
ACTH
adenocarcinoma associations
- non smoker
- peripheral lesions
(cancer in the glands of the epithelium)
associated syndromes with small cell
- SiADH
- Lambert-Eaton
- Cushing’s
presentation of lung cancer
- cough for more than 3 weeks
- haemoptysis
- weight loss
what does a hoarse voice indicate?
laryngeal nerve palsy
what does AF and a pericardial effusion indicate?
pericardium invasion
what does the presence of a pleural effusion indicate?
pleural cavity invasion
what does dysphagia indicate
oesophageal invasion
what does hand atrophy indicate
brachial plexus invasion (Pancoast tumour- Horner’s syndrome)
what does a distended JVP indicate?
SVC invasion
what do dilated veins on the abdomen indicate?
IVC invasion
diagnosis of lung cancer
- CXR (does not show lymph nodes)
- CT
- PET
- bloods
- biopsy (bronchoscopy if central and percutaneous FNA if peripheral lesions)
small cell management
- chemotherapy
- radiotherapy
non-small cell management
- surgery (+ adjuvants)
- radiotherapy (if not suitable for surgery)
what is a mesothelioma
malignant tumour of the pleura caused by exposure to absestos
presentation of mesothelioma
- pleuritic chest pain
- SOB
- haemoptysis
- 30-40 years after exposure
diagnosis of mesothelioma
- CXR (pleural thickening)
- pleural fluid aspirate (asbestos bodies)
management of mesothelioma
- pleurodeses effusion
- palliation
- adjuvants
