Lung Cancers Flashcards
Number 1 cause of lung cancer?
Smoking
What are the two classes of lung cancer based on histology and biology and which one is most common?
Non small cell (most common) and small cell
Small cell is almost exclusively diagnosed in what patients and behaves how because of what?
Smokers.
Way more aggressively as evidenced by early metastasis
What is the only preventative measure for lung cancer?
Stop smoking
What is the modality of choice for screening patients for lung cancer and what is the qualification to be screened?
Low dose CT.
55-80 with a 30 pack year smoking history who currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years.
What are 5 clinical symptoms in patients with lung cancer?
Hemostasis, pulmonary infections, dyspnea, cough, chest pain.
Besides smoking, what is another risk factor for lung cancer?
Occupational exposure
What is pancoast syndrome?
Shoulder pain, compression of brachial plexus, and Horner syndrome from an apical lung tumor, usually non small cell
What syndrome can present with adenocarcinoma?
HPO, which is clubbing and hypertrophy of joints
What is superior vena cava syndrome? What cancer is it associated with?
Compression of the SVC by the tumor usually causing distention of face and neck. More common with small cell.
What is the initial test you can do to check for lung cancer and what are you looking for?
CXR. Masses, LAD and effusions.
What then can you do to confirm CXR findings?
CT
When can you do a sputum cytology?
Central lesions and patients with poor pulmonary function
What study/test can you do for peripheral lesions?
Bronchoscopy
When is a medistinoscopy helpful?
When planning for resection
