Lung Cancer

Question 1

What is Non Small Cell Lung Cancer? (NSCLC)

Answer 1

Lung cancer comprises a group of malignant epithelial tumours arising from cells lining the lower respiratory tract.

Question 2

What are the risk factors of NSCLC?

Answer 2

> Cigarette smoking
> Environmental tobacco exposure
> COPD
> FHx
> Radon Gas exposure
> Older age

Question 3

What are the signs and symptoms of NSCLC?

Answer 3

> Cough 
> Dyspnoea
> Haemoptysis
> Chest and shoulder pain
> Weight loss
> Fatigue
> Pulmonary abnormalities

Question 4

What is the epidemiology of NSCLC?

Answer 4

Worldwide, lung cancer is the most common non-cutaneous cancer and is increasing at a rate of 0.5% per year.

Question 5

What are the investigations you might do for NSCLC?

Answer 5

> CXR- nodules, masses, pleural effusions, collapse

> Contrast enhanced CT of lower neck, thorac and upper abdomen- Size, location and extent of primary tumour

Question 6

What is Small cell lung cancer?

Answer 6

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC), previously referred to as oat cell carcinoma, is a malignant epithelial tumour arising from cells lining the lower respiratory tract.

Question 7

What are the RFs for Small Cell lung cancer?

Answer 7

> Cigarette smoking
Environmental tobacco exposure
Radon gas exposure
Asbestos exposure

Question 8

What are the signs and symptoms of Small Cell lung cancer?

Answer 8

> Cough 
> Dyspnoea
> Haemoptysis
> Chest and shoulder pain
> Weight loss
> Fatigue
> Pulmonary abnormalities

Question 9

What is the epidemiology of small cell lung cancer?

Answer 9

More than 39,000 deaths are attributed to lung cancer in England and Wales each year.

Question 10

What are the investigations for small cell lung cancer?

Answer 10

CXR- central mass, hilar lymphadenopathy, pleural effusion

CT chest, liver and adrenal glands- Lymphadenopathy and direct mediastinal invasion

Sputum cytology- Malignant cells in sputum