Lung cancer Flashcards

1
Q

What are the main types of non-small cell lung cancer?

A

squamous cell carcinoma

adenocarcinoma

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2
Q

Describe small cell lung cancer

A

Small cell lung cancer cells contain neurosecretory granules that can release neuroendocrine hormones. Responsible for multiple paraneoplastic syndromes

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3
Q

What are the signs and symptoms of lung cancer?

A
Shortness of breath 
cough
haemoptysis
finger clubbing
recurrent pneumonia 
weight loss
lymphadenopathy
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4
Q

What are the main investigations for lung cancer?

A
Chest Xray
Staging CT scan
PET=CT
Bronchoscopy with EBUS
Histological diagnosis
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5
Q

What are the findings on an X-ray which may suggest lung cancer?

A

Hilar enlargement
Peripheral opacity
Pleural effusion (usually unilateral)
Collapse

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6
Q

Describe recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy in lung cancer

A

presents with a hoarse voice

Cancer presses on nerve as it passes through the mediastinum

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7
Q

Describe phrenic nerve palsy in lung cancer

A

Due to nerve compression

causes diaphragm weakness and presents as shortness of breath

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8
Q

Describe superior vena cava obstruction in lung cancer

A

caused by direct compression of the tumour

presents with facial swelling, difficulty breathing and distended veins in the neck and upper chest

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9
Q

Describe Pemberton’s sign

A

Vena cava obstruction

where raising the hands over the head causes facial congestion and cyanosis. Medical emergency

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10
Q

Describe Horner’s syndrome

A

A triad of partial ptosis, anhidrosis ans moisis

Caused by a pancoast tumour pressing on the sympathetic ganglion

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11
Q

Describe SIADH in lung cancer

A

Caused by ectopic ADH secretion by small cell lung cancer and presents with hyponatraemia

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12
Q

Describe Cushing’s syndrome in lung cancer

A

Can be caused by ectopic ACTH secretion by a small cell lung cancer

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13
Q

Descrive hypercalcaemia in lung cancer

A

caused by ectopic ACTH secretion by squamous cell lung cancer

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14
Q

Describe limbic encephalitis in lung cancer

A

Paraneoplastic syndrome were the small cell lung cancer causes the immune system to make antibodies to tissue in the brain, specifically in the limbic system causing inflammation
Causes short term memory impairment, hallucinations, confusion and seizures
Associated with anti-Hu antibodies

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15
Q

Describe what causes Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic syndrome

A

A result of antibodies produced by the immune system against small cell lung cancer cells. These antibodies also target and damage voltage-gated calcium channels sited of the presynaptic terminals in motor neurones

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16
Q

What are the effects of Lambert-Eaton syndrome?

A

Weakness, particularly in the proximal muscles but can also affect the intraocular muscles causing diploma, ptosis and slurred speech and dysphagia

17
Q

Describe mesothelioma

A

Affects the mesothelial cells of the pleura. It is strongly linked to asbestos inhalation. There is a huge latent period of up to 45 years. The prognosis is very poor. Palliative chemo is usually the only option