Lung Tumours Flashcards
Describe an x-ray showing a lung tumour
Shadow in the lung - ether cancer or TB
Can either have a visible mass if tumour is peripheral or if it is more central, it blocks the bronchus
What happens if a lung tumour blocks the bronchus
It allows secretions and infection to build up causing pneumonia and complete occlusion of a whole lobe of the lung
What are the causes of lung cancer (7)
Smoking Radon Workplace chemicals Air pollution Genetics Radiation therapy Other lung disease
What is the most common cause of lung cancer
Smoking
What are the different types of lung cancer
Small cell - 25%
Non-small cell 75%
What are the different types of non-small cell lung cancer
Squamous cell carcinoma - 40%
Large cell - 20%
Adenocarcinoma
Describe a lung squamous cell carcinoma
Most common
Centrally located
Smoking related
What are the common signs and symptoms of lung cancer
Often none until late in the disease Cough Haemoptysis Pneumonia - occlusion of one of the main bronchi to a lung lobe Metastasis - bone, liver, brain
Describe other signs of lung cancer
Dysphagia - central tumour can compress the oesophagus
SVC obstruction - compression from a tumour in the mediastinum
Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (hoarse)
Why do lung tumours often have a poor survival rate
Metastases will often happen before the tumour is detectable by normal tests or before the patient has any symptoms
Describe stage 1 of lung cancer
Solitary lesion
Describe stage 2 of lung cancer
Multiple lesions only on one side of the thorax
Describe stage 3 of lung cancer
Lesions on both sides of the thorax
Describe stage 4 of lung cancer
Metastatic lesions throughout the lung and also symptoms of oedema or fluid or pneumonia at presentation
At what stage do patients most often present with lung cancer
Stage 3 or 4
What is the most common treatment for lung cancer and why
Chemotherapy to maximise life expectancy rather than eliminate the disease
How may solitary lesions be treated
Removal of the lung lobe - limited number of cases
What are biomarkers and why are they useful
Allow to look at the tumour to see what genetic mutations it has so the most suitable method of treatment can be selected for each patient
What can a dentist do for patients before they are diagnosed with lung cancer
Ask and record smoking status
Advise on the best way of quitting
Act on patient’s responses - they are more likely to quit with NHS support
