oncology Flashcards
commonest cancer in children
acute myeloid leukaemia
red flags in children
unexplained petechiae unexplained hepatosplenomegaly unexplained new neurological symptoms new abdominal mass back pain unexplained lump lymphadenopathy unexplained seizures
investigations in childhood cancer
MRI with anaesthetic CT biopsy bloods - tumour markers CXR bone scan
pathophysiology of tumour lysis syndrome
a rapidly growing tumour begins to die and it’s cells release their contents
rise in potassium, urate, phosphate
drop in calcium
how can tumour lysis syndrome cause renal failure
urate overload and calcium phosphate deposition
how can you avoid tumour lysis syndrome
fluids start treatment slowly monitor electrolytes regular ECGs never give K or PH4 allopurinol
management of tumour lysis syndrome
rasburicase
salbutamol, insulin or Ca resonium for hypocalcaemia
renal replacement therapy
what causes spinal cord compression
potential complication in all paediatric malignancies
caused by invasion or vertebral body collapse
how does spinal cord compression present
weakness - most common
pain
sensory disturbance
sphincter disturbance - least common
management of spinal cord compression
urgent MRI
dexamethasone immediately
may need emergency chemo or surgery
what is superior vena cava syndrome
rare condition where flow of blood or airways to thorax are blocked
causes of SCV syndrome
fast growing lymphoma - commonest
central line associated thrombosis
presentation of SVC syndrome
facial, neck and upper thoracid plethora oedema cyanosis distended veins reduced GCS
symptoms if mediastinum is compressed
dyspnoea tachypnoea cough wheeze cough stridor orthopnoea
investigations in SVC syndrome
CT
echo
FBC
pleural aspirate
