MRCS part A- Principles of surgical oncology and breast and endocrine Flashcards
Define Chordoma
Bone tumour
What is the origin of Chordoma?
Remnants of notochord
What is the clinical picture of Chordoma?
I)Slow-growing tumour II)Location (a)anywhere from the skull base to the sacrum (b)the two most common locations are: -skull base -sacrum III)Histological types: (a)classical(conventional) -lobulated tumour -composed of group of cells -the cells have: +nuclei-(1)small (2)round +cytoplasm-(1)abundant (2)vacuolated (b)Chondroid -Shows features of both Chordoma and chondrosarcoma -Indolent clinical course (c)De-differentiated
Never in rib
What is the incidence of Chordoma?
Rare
What is the characteristic feature of the Chordoma?
Slow-growing bone tumour
What is the location of the chondroma?
(1) anywhere from the skull base to the sacrum
(2) the 2 most common locations are
- skull base
- sacrum
What are the histological types of chondroma?
a)classical(conventional)
-lobulated tumour
-composed of group of cells
-the cells have:
+nuclei-(1)small
(2)round
+cytoplasm(1)abundant
(2)vacuolated
(b)Chondroid-Shows features of both chondroma and chondrosarcoma
-Indolent clinical course
(c)De-differentiated
What is the other name for classical Chordoma?
Conventional
Discuss classical Chordoma
-lobulated tumour
-composed of group of cells
-the cells have:
The cells have small round nuclei and abundant vacuolated cytoplasm
Discuss chondroid chordoma
-Shows features of both chondroma and
chondrosarcoma
-Indolent clinical course
Discuss treatment of Chordoma
Complete surgical resection followed by radiotherapy
+Advantages-offers the best chance of long term control
+Disadvantages-
(a)For surgery
Proximity to the spine compromises resection margins
(b)For radiotherapy
-Problem:(1)Chordomas are radio resistant requiring high doses of radiation to be controlled
(2)Proximity of Chordomas to vital neurological structures such as the brain stem and nerves
limits the dose of radiotherapy
-Solution:Highly focused radiation
.e.g.,-proton therapy
-carbon ion therapy
.more effective than conventional X-ray radiation
What is the specific treatment of Chordoma?
Complete surgical resection followed by radiotherapy
What is the advantage of both surgery and radiotherapy for Chordoma?
Offers the best chance of long term control
What are the disadvantages of surgery and radiotherapy for Chordoma?
(a)For surgery
Proximity to the spine compromises resection margins
(b)For radiotherapy
-Problem:(1)Chordomas are radio resistant requiring high doses of radiation to be controlled
(2)Proximity of Chordomas to vital neurological structures such as the brain stem and nerves
limits the dose of radiotherapy
-Solution:Highly focused radiation
.e.g.,-proton therapy
-carbon ion therapy
.more effective than conventional X-ray radiation
What is the disadvantage of surgery for Chordoma?
Proximity to the spine compromises resection margins
What are the disadvantages of radiotherapy for Chordoma?
-Problem:(1)Chordomas are radio resistant requiring high doses of radiation to be controlled
(2)Proximity of Chordomas to vital neurological structures such as the brain stem and
nerves limits the dose of radiotherapy
-Solution:Highly focused radiation
.e.g.,-proton therapy
-carbon ion therapy
.more effective than conventional X-ray radiation
What is the origin of colorectal cancer?
Adenomatous polyp
What is the advantage of colorectal cancer screening?
Reduce mortality by 12%
Discuss the NHS screening programmes
- Most cancers develop from adenomatous polyps. Screening for colorectal cancer has been shown to reduce mortality by 16%
- The NHS now has a national screening programme offering screening every 2 years to all men and women aged 60 to 69 years. Patients aged over 70 years may request screening
- Eligible patients are sent faecal occult blood (FOB) tests through the post. This is being replaced by FIT testing.
- Patients with abnormal results are offered a colonoscopy
- The NHS BOSS flexible sigmoidoscopy screening comprises a single flexible sigmoidoscopy to patients aged 55 years
What is the method for national screening programme?
Faecal occult blood:(1)sent through the post
(2) replaced by FIT testing
(3) If abnormal results-colonoscopy
Discuss NHS BOSS single sigmoidoscopy
+Features-At colonoscopy,approximately:
(1)5 out of 10 have normal exam (2)4 out of 10 have polyps which may be removed due to premalignant potential
(3)1 out of 10 have cancer
+Method-Single flexible sigmoidoscopy for patients aged 55 years
What is the method for NHS BOSS single sigmoidoscopy?
Single flexible sigmoidoscopy for patients aged 55 years
Discuss the diagnosis of colorectal cancer
.Essentials-The following patients need referral:(1)Altered bowel habits >6 weeks
-
(Mnemonic;ART)**_ (2)New onset _**Rectal bleeding
(3) *_T_enesmus
.Method-I)Colonoscopy:Is the GOLD STANDARD,provided it is complete and good mucosal visualisation is achieved
II)Other options:(1)Double contrast barium enema
(2)CT colonograpy
III)Tumour marker:Carcinoembryonic antigen(CAE)
-the main tumour marker in colorectal cancer
-used routinely in follow ups
-correlates roughly with disease burden
-not all tumours secret it
-may be raised in conditions such as IBD
Enumerate the conditions that necessitate referral of patients with colorectal cancer
Mnemonic;ART
(1) Altered bowel habits
(2) New onset Rectal bleeding
(3) Tenesmus
What are the methods used to diagnose colorectal cancer?
I)Colonoscopy:Is the GOLD STANDARD,provided it is complete and good mucosal visualisation is achieved
II)Other options:(1)Double contrast barium enema
(2)CT colonograpy
III)Tumour marker:Carcinoembryonic antigen(CAE)
-the main tumour marker in colorectal cancer
-used routinely in follow ups
-correlates roughly with disease burden
-not all tumours secret it
-may be raised in conditions such as IBD
Discuss staging of colorectal cancer
I)chest/abdomen/pelvis CT
II)Pelvic MRI-for patients with rectal cancer to evaluate mesorectum
III)Dukes and TNM classification systems
-for examination purposes
-Dukes:
What is the purpose of the Dukes classification?
Gives the extent of spread of colorectal cancer
What is Dukes A in colorectal cancer?
- Tumour confined to the bowel but not extending beyond it.
- without nodal metastasis.
- 5 year survival 95%
What is the 5 year survival rate for Dukes classification?
95%
What is Dukes B in colorectal cancer?
Tumour invading bowel wall
Without nodal metastasis
5 year survival 75%
What is the 5 year survival of Dukes B in colorectal cancer?
75%
What is Dukes C in colorectal cancer?
Lymph node metastasis
5 year survival 50%
What is the 5 year survival of Dukes C in colorectal cancer?
50%
What is Dukes D in colorectal cancer?
Distant metastasis
5 year survival 6%(25% if respectable)
What is the incidence of extravasation injury?
6%
What is the aetiology of extravasation injury?
Chemotherapy with:(1)Doxorubicin
(2) Vincristine
(3) Vinblastine
(4) Cisplatin
(5) Mitomycin
(6) Mithramycin
What is the complication of extravasation injury?
Ulceration in 30%
What is the incidence of ulceration in extravasation injury?
30%
What is the treatment of extravasation injury?
I)stop infusion
II)infusing device aspirated
III)elevate the extremity
IV)compression-(1)cold compression:for doxorubicin ulceration
(2)warm compression:for extravasation of vinca alkaloids
V)Drugs-(1)Dimethylsulfoxide:within 5 hours
(2)Corticosteroids:no evidence to support their use in extravasation injury
(3)Sodium bicarbonate:no evidence to support their use of extravasation injury
(4)Hyaluronidase:for extravasation of total parentral nutrition(TPN)
What is the cold compression used for in extravasation injury?
for doxorubicin ulceration
What is the warm compression used for in extravasation injury?
for extravasation of vinca alkaloids
What are the drugs used to treat extravasation injury?
(1) Dimethylsulfoxide:within 5 hours
(2) Corticosteroids:no evidence to support their use in extravasation injury
(3) Sodium bicarbonate:no evidence to support their use of extravasation injury
(4) Hyaluronidase:for extravasation of total parentral nutrition(TPN)
What is the timing of use of dimethylsulfoxide?
Within 5 hours
What is the evidence of use of extravasation?
No evidence to support their use extravasation injury
What is the evidence of use of sodium bicarbonate in extravasation injury?
No evidence to support their use in extravasation injury
What is the use of hyaluronidase in extravasation injury?
For extravasation of total parentral nutrition(TPN)
What is the management of non small cell lung cancer?
(1) Surgery
(2) Mediastinoscopy
(3) Radiotherapy
(4) Chemotherapy
What is the incidence of surgery in the management of non small cell lung cancer?
Only 20% suitable for surgery
What are the contraindications for surgery in the management of non small cell lung cancer?
Mnemonic;ASF/MTVS
(1) Assess general health
(2) Stage IIIb or IV(i.e.,metastasis)
(3) FEV1-(a)<1.5L is a general cut off point
(b) some authorities may advocate further lung function tests as operation may still go ahead based on the results if:
- FEV1<1.5L for lobectomy
- FEV1<2L for pneumonectomy
(4) Malignant pleural effusion
(5) Tumour near the hilum
(6) Vocal cord paralysis
(7) Superior vena cava(SVC)obstruction
What should be done for the patient with non small cell lung cancer before surgery?
Assess general health
What is the stage of non small cell lung cancer that forbids surgery?
Stage IIIb or V(i.e.,metastasis)
What do stage IIIb or V mean?
Metastasis
Discuss FEV1 as a contraindication of surgery in non small cell lung cancer
(a) <1.5L is a general cut off point
(b) some authorities may advocate further lung function tests as operation may still go ahead based on the results if:
- FEV1<1.5L for lobectomy
- FEV1<2L for pneumonectomy
What is the general cut off point which is considered as a contraindication for surgery in non small cell lung cancer?
FEV1<1.5L
What is the indication of lobectomy in non small cell lung?
FEV<1.5L
What is the indication of pneumonectomy in non small cell lung cancer?
FEV<2L
What is the indication of mediastinoscopy in non small cell lung cancer?
Prior to surgery as CT does not always show mediastinal lymph nodes involvement
What is the type of radiotherapy in non small cell lung cancer?
(1) Palliative
(2) Curative
What is the feature of the chemotherapy in non small cell lung cancer?
Poor response
What if the general health is bad in a patient with non small cell lung cancer?
The surgery is contraindicated
What are the SIGN guidelines on control of pain in adults?
I)The breakthrough dose of morphine=1/6 the daily dose of morphine
II)All patients with opioids should receive laxatives
III)Opioids should be used with caution in CKD,these are preferred-(1)Alfentanil
(2)Buprenorphine
(3)Fentanyl
IV)Metastatic bone pain may respond to-(1)NSAID
(2)Bisphosphonate
(3)Radiotherapy
V)When increasing the dose of opioids the next dose should be increased by 30-50%
What is the breakthrough dose of morphine on palliative care for control of pain in adults?
1/6th daily dose of morphine
What should be given to all patients administering opioids?
Laxatives
Discuss opioids and CKD
Opioids should be used with caution in CKD
What are the preferred drugs for CKD instead of opioids?
(1) Alfentanil
(2) Buprenorphine
(3) Fentanyl
What should be given to a metastatic bone disease?
(1) NSAIDs
(2) Bisphosphonate
(3) Radiotherapy
How much is the increasing dose of opioids the next time the dose needs to increased?
Should be increased by 30%-50%
Discuss conversion between opioids
How to convert oral codeine to oral morphine?
Divide by 10
How to convert oral tramadol to oral morphine?
Divide by 5
How to convert oral morphine to oral oxycodone?
Divide by 2
How to convert oral morphine to subcutaneous diamorphine?
Divide by 3
How to convert oral oxycodone to subcutaneous diamorphine?
Divide by 1.5
What are the typical tumours that spread to bone?
(1) Thyroid
(2) Bronchus
What are the commonest bone sites affected in secondary malignant tumour of bone?
(1) Skull
(2) Sternum
(3) Ribs
(4) Vertebrae(usually thoracic)
(5) Pelvis
(6) Proximal femur
What is the incidence of 2ry(metastatic) and 1ry bone tumours?
Metastatic(2ry) lesions affecting bone are more common than 1ry bone tumours
What are the causes of pathological fracture?
Mnemonic;OUT
(1) Osteolytic lesions-are the greatest risk for pathological fracture
(2) Under loading(Harrington)-when the lesion occupy 50% or less of the bone
(3) Torsion about a bony fulcrum-when 75% of the bone is affected
Discuss Harrington criteria for pathological fractures
Discuss Mirel’s criteria for pathological fracture
.Uses-help determine the risk of fracture.
.Feature-more systematic than the Harrington system
What is the use of Mirel’s system in treatment of pathological fracture?
Help determine the risk of fracture
What is the feature of the Mirel’s scoring system in management of pathological fracture?
More systematic than Harrington scoring system
What should be done for isolated metastatic bone deposit?
Consideration should be given to excision and reconstruction as the outcome is better
What is the non operative treatment?
I)Hypercalcaemia,treat with-(a)rehydration
(b)bisphosphonate
II)Pain-(a)opiate analgesics
(b)radiotherapy
III)Some tumours such as breast and prostate-(a)chemotherapy
(b)hormonal agents
According to what conditions biopsy modalities vary?
Mnemonic;SET
(1) Site
(2) Experience
(3) Subsequent planned Therapeutic outcome
What are the modalities of tissue sampling?
Discuss fine needle aspiration cytology(FNAC)
+Technique
(1) passing a needle through a lesion whilst suction is applied to a syringe
(2) the material obtained is expressed onto a slide and sent for cytology
+Drawbacks
(1) operator dependent-limited by operator inexperience
(2) may or may not be image guided
(3) limited by the lack of histological architectural information(e.g.,follicular carcinoma of the thyroid)
(4) if discharge(e.,nipple discharge),information may be meaningless
What is the technique for fine needle aspiration cytology?
(1) passing a needle through a lesion whilst suction is applied to a syringe
(2) the material obtained is expressed onto a slide and sent for cytology
What are the drawbacks of the fine needle aspiration cytology?
(1) operator dependent-limited by operator inexperience
(2) may or may not be image guided
(3) limited by the lack of histological architectural information(e.g.,follicular carcinoma of the thyroid)
(4) if discharge(e.,nipple discharge),information may be meaningless
How do we obtain tissue samples?
Tissue samples may obtained by.
1st/Core biopsy
obtained by use of spring loaded gun with a needle passing quickly through the lesion of interest
2nd/True cut biopsy
- achieves the same objective as core biopsy but the needle moved by hand
- image guidance may be desirable(e.g.,in breast lesions)
- consider any planned surgical resection as it may be necessary to resect the biopsy along with the specimen(e.g.,in sarcoma surgery)
3rd/For superficial lesions
- complete excision or excision biopsy
- e.g.,malignant melanoma-needs more radical surgical approach after excision biopsy than would be the case in basal cell carcinoma
4th/Punch biopsy
- unclear skin lesions
- e.g.,whether a skin lesion is vasculitic or not
Discuss core biopsy
obtained by use of spring loaded gun with a needle passing quickly through the lesion of interest
Discuss true cut biopsy
- achieves the same objective as core biopsy but the needle moved by hand
- image guidance may be desirable(e.g.,in breast lesions)
- consider any planned surgical resection as it may be necessary to resect the biopsy along with the specimen(e.g.,in sarcoma surgery)
How do obtain tissue samples for superficial lesions?
- complete excision or excision biopsy
- e.g.,malignant melanoma-needs more radical surgical approach after excision biopsy than would be the case in basal cell carcinoma
Discuss punch biopsy
- unclear skin lesions
- e.g.,whether a skin lesion is vasculitic or not
What is the incidence of fibroadenoma?
(1) 12-13% of all palpable breast lesions
(2) 60% of all breast lesions in 18-25 years of age
What is the classification of the fibroadenoma?
What is the size of the fibroadenoma?
(1) <3 cm-watchful waiting without biopsy
(2) >3-4cm-core biopsy:to exclude a phylloides tumour,but if phylloides tumour
(a) wide excision
(b) mastectomy if lesion is large
- surgical excision
What should be done for <3 cm fibroadenoma?
watchful waiting without biopsy
What should be done to >3-4 cm fibroadenoma?
-core biopsy:to exclude a phylloides tumour,but if phylloides tumour
(a)wide excision
(b)mastectomy if lesion is large
-surgical excision
Discuss pathogenesis of fibroadenoma
(1) <25 years,breast is classified undergoing development
(2) Develop from a whole
(3) Lobular units are being formed
(4) Dense stroma is formed within the breast tissue
(5) Development of fibroadenoma
What is the clinical picture of fibroadenoma?
Breast lump
+clinical history-(1)mobile
(2)firm
+natural history-size;(1)10% increase in size
(2)30% gets smaller over 2 years
(3)the remainder stay the same
(4)in pregnancy and lactation they increase in size and sequester milk
-no risk of malignancy
What is the single most common clinical feature of fibroadenoma?
Breast lump
What is the clinical history of breast lump in fibroadenoma?
(1) mobile
(2) firm
What is the natural history of breast lump in fibroadenoma?
- size;(1)10% increase in size
(2) 30% gets smaller over 2 years
(3) the remainder stay the same
(4) in pregnancy and lactation they increase in size and sequester milk - no risk of malignancy
What is the incidence of fibroadenoma increasing in size?
10%
What is the incidence of fibroadenoma getting smaller and in what duration?
30% over 2 years
What happens to fibroadenoma in pregnancy and lactation?
They increase in size and sequester milk
What is the risk of malignancy in fibroadenoma?
No risk of malignancy
What is the treatment of fibroadenoma?
(1) Circumareolar incision-especially if the patient wishes
(2) Mammotome-for smaller incision
Enumerate causes of hyperthyroidism
(1) Graves disease(difuse toxic goitre)
(2) Toxic nodular goitre
(3) Toxic nodule
(4) Rare causes
Discuss Graves’ disease
.Features
(1) Diffuse vascular goitre
(2) Appears at the same time as the clinical manifestations of hyperthyroidism
.Incidence
commoner in younger females
.Aetiology
(1) Autoimmune disorder(50%)
(2) Glandular hypertrophy and hyperplasia occur as a result of the thyroid stimulating effect of TSH receptor antibodies(95%)
What are the features of the Graves’ disease?
(1) Diffuse vascular goitre
(2) Appears at the same time as the clinical manifestations of hyperthyroidism
What is the incidence of Graves’ disease?
Commoner in younger females
What is the aetiology of Graves’ disease?
(1)Autoimmune disorder(50%)
(2)Glandular hypertrophy and hyperplasia occur as a result of the thyroid stimulating effect of TSH receptor antibodies(95%)
What is the other name for Graves’ disease?
Diffuse toxic goitre
What is the incidence of autoimmune disorder in the aetiology of Graves’ disease?
50%
What is the chance of finding TSH receptor antibodies in Graves’ disease?
95%
Discuss toxic nodular goitre
(1) In this disorder the goitre is present for long time before clinical symptoms
(2) Inactive nodules-in most cases
(3) Internodular tissue-responsible for hyperthyroidism
Discuss toxic nodule
.Definition
Nodule-(1)overactive
(2)autonomously functioning
.Types
(1) as part of generalised nodularity
(2) true toxic adenoma
.Signs and symptoms mnemonic;
symptoms-LEH/WEP
signs-TAHET/L
.Diagnosis
(1) Plasma T3:(a)the most sensitive test for diagnosing hyperthyroidism
(b) which is raised
(2) TSH:(a)<0.5 U/L suggests hyperthyroidism
(b) TSH level is low as the autonomously functioning thyroid tissue exerts negative feedback
(c) TSH receptor antibodies tested for Graves’ disease(95%)
(d) TSH and T4 are sensitive tests for hypothyroidism
.Treatment
(1) Block and replaced regime-Advantages:(a)The 1st line medical treatment for Graves’ disease
(b) The favoured option
- Drugs:(a)Carbimazole-administered at higher doses
(b) Thyroxine-administered orally
- Duration:(a)6-12 months
(b) then wean off medication
(2) On relapse-(1)Ongoing medical therapy
(2) Radiation
(3) Surgery
Define toxic nodule
Nodule-(1)overactive
(2)autonomously functioning
What are the types of toxic nodule?
(1) as part of generalised nodularity
(2) true toxic adenoma