Lung tumours Flashcards
Which part of lung are most lung tumours found
95% of time is bronchial
Types of lung tumours
Small cell
Non-small
Different types of non-small
Squamous
Large cell
Adenocarcinoma
What is most common cancer in non-smokers
Adenocarcinoma
Aetiology of non-small cancers
Smoking
Urban areas
Asbestos exposure
Genetic risk
Epidemiology of non-small cancers
3x more common in men
Non-small cancers make up 85% of lung cancers
Pathophysiology of Squamous carcinoma
Most present as an Obstructive Lesion -> infection.
Cavities can be present.
Commonly has local spread.
Widespread metastases.
Pathophysiology of large cell carcinoma
Poorly differentiated
Early metastases
Pathophysiology of Adenocarcinoma
Strongest association with asbestos exposure.
Proportionally more common in non-smokers.
Usually peripheral.
Local and distant metastases.
Small cell cancer epidemiology
More common in men
15% of lung cancers
Aetiology of small cell cancer
Smoking, urban areas and asbestos exposure.
Probably a genetic risk.
*Pathophysiology of small cell cancer
Arises from Kulchitsky cells
Grows rapidly and is highly malignant; almost always inoperable at presentation
What are Kulchitsky cells
endocrine cells which manufacture polypeptides and amines which act as hormones or neurotransmitters
Most common destination of metastases from lung cancers
Bone
Brain
*Clinical presentation
Local effects: Cough, chest pain, haemoptysis and breathlessness.
Spread within chest: Involve pleura/ribs -> pain and fractures.
Spread to brachial plexus causes pain in shoulder and arm.
Spread to sympathetic ganglion -> Horner’s syndrome.
Spread to left recurrent laryngeal nerve -> hoarseness of voice.
Other: Weight loss and finger clubbing. Metastases possible.
