Lung Cancer And Tobacco Flashcards
If lung cancer is suspected by a GP, what is the maximum wait time to see to lung clinic?
2 week wait
Which cancer has the highest number of deaths worldwide?
Lung cancer
Name the cancers that are the biggest killers
Lung Colorectal Breast Prostate Oesophagus Pancreas Stomach
Which 3 cancers have the worst 5 year survival rates?
Pancreas
Lung
Leukaemia
What is an MST?
Median survival time
Why has lung cancer got an increased incidence in poorer communities?
More likely to smoke
Less access to health care
Less likely to seek help
English may not be first language
What is the commonest age group to get lung cancer?
60 - 80 years old
Tobacco smoking is linked to what proportion of all cancer deaths?
1/3
Apart from smoking, name some other lung cancer risk factors
Radon
Asbestos
Occupational carcinogens (nickel)
Genetic factors
List the criteria needed for an effective screening
Disease with serious consequences High prevalence of detectable disease Test detects little pseudo-disease Test detects disease before critical point Test causes little morbidity Affordable and available Treatment exists Treatments is more effective when applied before symptom detection Treatment not too risk or toxic
What percentage of people presenting with lung cancer actually have a treatable disease?
20%
Describe the basis of TNM staging
T = tumour N = lymph nodes M = metastases
Where does lung cancer spread locally?
Draining lymph nodes
Pleura
Pericardium
Where does lung cancer commonly spread to distally?
Brain
Liver
Adrenals
Bone
When staging lung cancer, what imagining techniques do we use?
CXR
CT scan
PET scan
(Consider MRI, USS, bone scan, ECHO)
How does a PET scan work?
Shows areas of increased activity (metabolism) in a tissue
(Glows orange)
We can figure out if lymph nodes are enlarged due to cancer or another reason
Other than cancer, name 2 lung conditions which in cause tissue to be overactive
Pneumonia
Sarcoidosis
Name some techniques for getting a tissue sample from the lungs
Bronchoscopy USS guided CT guided Thoracoscopy Surgical
Give some symptoms of a primary lung tumour
Cough Dyspnoea Wheezing Haemoptysis Lung infection Chest/shoulder pain Weight loss Lethargy/malaise
What is the commonest presentation of lung cancer?
No symptoms
Give some symptoms that indicate regional metastases of lung cancer
Bloated face (SVC obstruction) Hoarseness of voice Dyspnoea Dysphagia Chest pain
Give some symptoms that indicate distant metastases of lung cancer
Bone pain or fracture CNS symptoms Hypercalcaemia Hyponatraemia Seizures Thirst and constipation
Give some clinical signs of lung cancer
Finger clubbing SVC obstruction Cachexia Pale conjunctiva Cervical lymphadenopathy Horner's syndrome Consolidation Signs of pleural effusion Muffled heart sounds Liver enlargement Skin metastases
What is Horner’s syndrome?
Pressing on the sympathetic trunk causing:
Miosis (constriction of pupil)
Ptosis (weak, droopy eyelids)
Anhidrosis (decreased sweating)
