Oncology Flashcards
what type of cancer is most commonly associated with superior vena cava obstruction?
lung cancer - most common
also lymphoma
what are 6 causes of superior vena cava obstruction?
malignancy - non-small cell lung cancer, lymphoma, metastatic seminoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, breast cancer
Aortic aneurysm
Mediastinal fibrosis
goitre
SVC thrombosis
what are 4 complications of superior vena cava syndrome?
laryngeal oedema and airway obstruction
cerebral oedema - neuro signs
Low cardiac output and hypotension
PE - if due to thrombus
what are 8 symptoms of superior vena cava syndrome?
SOB - may be exacerbated lying down
Swelling of face, neck and arms , may have conjunctival/periorbital oedema
Chest pain
Headache - worse in morning
Visual disturbance
Pulseless jugular vein distension
collateral vein development - late sign
compressive symptoms - stridor, dysphagia, hoarse voice
what investigations can be done for superior vena cava syndrome?
CXR - mass or widened mediastinum
CT thorax with contrast
MRI chest
US doppler of upper extremities
Venography
Biopsy
what is the management of superior vena cava syndrome?
PCI stenting if emergency
Radio/chemotherapy and corticosteroids if malignant
Tumor removal
Thrombolysis if due to thrombus
how common is lung cancer?
3rd most common in UK
what is.the most common type of lung cancer?
non-small cell adenocarcinoma
what are 3 types of non-small cell lung cancer?
adenocarcinoma
squamous cell carcinoma
large cell carcinoma
what is mesothelioma?
lung malignancy affecting meothelial cells of pleura linked to asbestos inhalation. Poor prognosis
what are 9 presentations of lung cancer?
SOB
cough
Haemoptysis
finger clubbing
recurrent pneumonia
weight loss
lymphadenopathy
Hoarse voice - especially pancoast tumoour
SVC syndrome
what is dysplasia?
the presence of abnormal cells in a tissue
what is special about small cell lung cancers?
have neuroendocrine differentiation and release neuroendocrine hormones with a wide range of paraneoplastic associations
what is a pancoast tumour?
a type of lung cancer located at the lung apex that can lead to shoulder pain and Horner’s syndrome (ptosis, miosis, anhydrosis)
what are 5 paraneoplastic syndromes that can be caused by lung cancer?
Hypercalcaemia due to production of PTH peptide
Cushings - due to ectopic ACTH production
SIADH leading to hyponatraemia
Lamber-eaton myasthenic syndrome - caused by antibodies against small cell lung cancer
Clubbing
how can small cell lung cancer cause Lamber-eaton myasthenic syndrome ?
due to antibodies against small cell lung cancer which target and damage voltage gated calcium chennels on presynaptic terminals of motor neurones leading to weakness in proximal muscles. Can also affect intraocular, levator and pharyngeal muscles causing diplopia, ptosis, slurred speech and dysphagia
may also have dry mouth, blurred vision, impotence, dizziness due to autonomic dysfunction
what sign can be used to assess for superior vena cava syndrome?
Pemberton’s sign
raising hands over head causes facial congestion and cyanosis
what are 5 investigations for lung cancer?
CXR - hilar enlargement, peripheral opacity, u/l pleural effusion, collapse, focal lesion
Staging contrast CT
PET-CT
Brochoscopy
Histological diagnosis - brochoscopy biopsy or percutaneous biopsy
what is the management of non-small cell lung cancer?
Radiotherapy
Surgery - mediastinoscopy prior as CT does not always show mediastinal lymph node involvement - often lobectomy.
Poor response to chemo
what are 8 contrindications to surgery in non-small cell lung cancer?
general health
Stage IIIb or IV
FEV1<1.5L
malignant pleural effusion
tumour near hilum
vocal cord paralysis
SVC obstruction
what is the management of small cell lung cancer?
limited spread - 4-6 cycles of cisplatin based chemo +/- radiotherapy
Extensive mets - platinum based combo chemo + radiotherapy
where is lung cancer likely to metastasise to?
Brain
bone
liver
what part of the pancreas is usually affected in pancreatic cancer?
the head
what are 6 symptoms of pancreatic cancer?
Painless jaundice
Palpable gallbladder
Non-specific - anorexia, wt loss, epigastric pain
Steatorrhea
Diabetes
Atypical back pain
what is Whipple’s resection?
Pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer
For resectable lesions of the head of the pancreas
Removal of
Head of pancreas
pylorus of stomach
duodenum
gall bladder
bile duct
relevant lymph nodes
What is the most common type of pancreatic cancer?
Adenocarcinoma
what is the serum tumour marker for pancreatic cancer?
Ca 19-9
what procedure is used for tumours in the body/tail of the pancreas?
distal pancreatectomy
what are 4 non-modifiable risk factors for pancreatic cancer?
Age >60
Male
Afro-Caribbean or Ashkenazi Jewish heritage
Fhx - BRACA 2 mutations, FAMMM syndrome
what are 6 modifiable risk factors for pancreatic cancer?
Smoking
Diet - red and processed meats
BMI and inactivity
Alcohol
Chronic pancreatitis
Diabetes
when should an urgent CT for pancreatic cancer be done?
> 60 years and weight loss plus;
Diarrhoea
Back pain
Abdo Pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
New onset diabetes
What is the TNM staging for pancreatic cancer?
Tis - carcinoma in situ
T1 - <2cm confined to pancreas
T2 - >2cm confined to pancreas
T3 - local invasion not into blood vessels or nerves
T4 - local invasion of blood vessels and nerves
N0 - no regional lymph nodes
N1 - regional lymph nodes involved
M0 - No distant mets
M1 - distant mets
What are 4 surgeries for pancreatic cancer?
Total pancreatectomy
distal pancreatectomy
Modified whipple
Whipple procedure
what are 5 palliative options for pancreatic cancer?
Stents to relieve biliary obstruction
Surgery to improve symptoms
palliative chemo
palliative radiotherapy
EOL care
what scan is used for staging pancreatic cancer?
CT TAP
what chemo can be used in metastatic pancreatic cancer treatment?
1 - FOLFIRINOX
Fluorouracil
Leucovorin
Ieinotectan
Oxaliplatin
2 - Oxaliplatin based chemo
where are the 3 most common sites of pancreatic metastasis?
Liver
Lungs
Peritoneum
what is Courvoisiers law?
For pancreatic cancer
Palpable gallbladder + jaundice is unlikely to be gallstones
what is Trousseau’s sign of malignancy?
For pancreatic cancer
migratory thrombophlebitis as a sign of malignancy
Blood vessel inflammation with an associated thrombus which reoccur in different locations over time
what may be seen on radiology in pancreatic cancer?
Double duct sign - dilation of both common bile duct and pancreatic ducts commonly due to carcinoma of head of pancreas
what chemo can be used as an adjuvant in pancreatic cancer?
Gemcitabine
+ Capecitabine
6 cycles after resection
what is the most common type of gastric cancer?
adenocarcinoma
where in the world is gastric cancer most common?
Japan
what are 7 manifestations of gastric cancer?
Dyspepsia/indigestion
Epigastric pain
Early satiety or postprandial fullness
Wt loss
Anaemia
Nausea and vomiting
GI bleeds
Epigastric mass
swelling of periumbilical lymph nodes causing protrusion of umbilicus - sister Mary joseph nodule
what are 3 differentials for gastric cancer?
peptic ulcer
oesophageal stricture
achalasia
what are 6 risk factors for gastric cancer?
H. Pylori infection
Smoking
High salt intake
genetics
Smoked/preserved foods
Pernicious anaemia and atrophic gastritis
when should you refer for upper GI endoscopy when suspecting gastric/oesophageal cancer?
Dysphagia
55+ weight loss +
- Upper abdo pain
- Reflux
- Dyspepsia
When should you refer non-urgently to gastro for ?gastric/oesophageal cancer >55 years?
Tx resistant dyspepsia
Upper abdo pain with low Hb
raised platelets with
- nausea
- vomiting
- wt loss
- refluc
- dyspepsia
- upper abdo pain
Nausea + vom with
- wt loss
- reflux
- dyspepsia
- upper abdo pain
what are is the 1st line investigation for gastric cancer?
Gastric endoscopy with biopsy
What are 2 surgeries for gastric cancer?
Partial gastrectomy
Total gastrectomy
what 2 targeted therapies can be used in gastric cancer?
Anti-HER2 therapy - transtuzumab, pertuzumab
Anti-VEGF therapies
what is the 5 year survival rate of pancreatic cancer?
5%
what are 4 complications of gastric cancer?
obstruction
bleeding`
perforation
mets
What are 3 locations for gastric metastasis?
Liver
Lymph nodes - virchow’s node
Ovaries - Krukenberg tumours
what are 3 signs associated with gastric cancer?
Acanthosis nigricans
Trousseau’s cancer syndrome - migratory thrombophlebitis
Leser-Trelat sign - rapid increase in number of seborrheic keratoses
what can be seen histologically in gastric cancer?
signet ring cells - large vacuole of mucin displacing nucleus
what is dumping syndrome?
Associated with gastrectomy
Early - 30 mins after meal fluid moves into intestine due to high osmotic load resulting in dizziness and palpitations
Late - 2 hour after meal, glucose rapidly absorbed into intestine causing reactive hyperinsulinemia and subsequent hypoglycaemia
what are the 2 main types of oesophageal cancer?
Adenocarcinoma - most common UK - GORD
Squamous cell carcinoma - Most common developing word (smoking)
what are 4 risk factors for oesophageal cancer?
Barrett’s oesophagus
Male
Smoker
Achalasia
where are oesophageal adenocarcinomas found?
Lower third of oesophagus - near gastroesophageal junction
where are squamous cell oesophageal carcinomas found?
Upper 2/3rds of oesophagus
what are 6 presentations of oesophageal cancer?
Dysphagia (solids then liquids)
Odynophagia - Pain on swallowing
Weight loss
Hoarse voice/cough
Retrosternal pain/dyscomfort
lymphadenopathy
what are 4 investigations for oesophageal cancer?
Upper GI endoscopy with biopsy - gold
CT chest abdomen and pelvis for staging
Endoscopic US for locoregional staging
Barium swallow
what are 3 differentials for oesophageal cancer?
benign stricture
achalasia
Barrett’s oesophagus
what is the management of oesophageal cancer?
Surgical resectio - Oesophgectomy
Endoscopic mucosal resection
Chemo - platinin based
Radiotherapy
what is the most common type of surgical resection in oesophageal cancer?
Ivor Lewis type oesophagectomy
what are 3 complications of oesophageal cancer?
Post-resection acid reflux
trachea-oesophageal fistula
Anastamotic leak - due to surgery
What is Barrett’s oesophagus?
a change (metaplasia) in the normal squamous epithelium of the oesophagus to specialised intestinal epithelium
stratified squamous to simple columnar
what is the change in epithelium in Barrett’s oesophagus?
Stratified squamous TO
Simple columnar
what are 4 causes for Barrett’s oesophagus?
GORD
Lower oesophageal sphincter hypotension
hiatus hernia
gastric acid hypersecretion
what are 3 risk factors for Barrett’s oesophagus?
GORD
smoking
obesity
male
what is the pathophysiology of Barrett’s oesophagus?
Reduced lower oesophageal sphincter muscle tone => increased relaxation allowing reflux of gastric acid through the LOS => damage to squamous mucosa and eventual metaplasia to columnar cells
what are 4 clinical presentations of Barrett’s oesophagus?
heartburn
regurgitation
dysphasia
SOB/wheezing and belching
what is the investigation for Barrett’s oesophagus?
Upper Gi endoscopy + biopsy = gold
what are 3 differentials for Barrett’s oesophagus?
osephagitis
GORD
oesophageal carcinoma
what is the management of Barrett’s oesophagus?
1 - High dose PPIs - omeprazole 40mg OD, Lansoprazole 30mg BD
1 - Lifestyle changes
Radio frequency ablation
repeat endoscopic surveillance every 5 years without dysplasia, every 6 months with dysplasia
what are 3 complications of Barrett’s oesophagus?
oesophageal adenocarcinoma
oesophageal strictures
quality of life deficit
what is Zollinger-Ellison syndrome?
Rare condition where duodenal/pancreatic tumour secretes excess gastrin (gastrinomas) leading to excess acid secretion in stomach
This causes severe dyspepsia, diarrhoea and peptic ulcers
Gastrinomas are associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia 1 (MEN1).
what are 8 clinical features of breast cancer?
hard, irregular, painless, fixed lumps
lumps tethered to skin or chest wall
nipple retraction
skin dimpling - peau d’orange
nipple discharge
rash, crusting or scaling around nipple
change in shape/size of breast
auxillary lymphadenopathy
How common is breast cancer in women?
1 in 8 in their lifetime
What is triple assessment of breast lumps?
clinical assessment - Hx and exam
Imaging - USS, mamography
histology - fine needle/core biopsy
each scored 1-5 from normal to malignant
what is phyllodes tumour?
can be benign or malignant breast lumps
rapidly growing painless breast lumps
can metastasize if malignant
what is the most common type of breast cancer?
invasive ductal carcinoma
What are 6 risk factors for breast cancer?
Female
increased oestrogen exposure - OCP and HRT, nulliparity, early menarche, late menopause
Not breast feeding
more dense breast tissue
obesity
smoking
FHx - BRACA, p53 gene mutations
What chromosome is BRACA1 on?
chromosome 17
what cancers does BRACA1 increase risk of?
breast - 70% BY 80yo
ovarian - 50%
prostate and bowel
what chromosome is BRACA2 on?
chromosome 13
what is the inheritance pattern of the BRACA genes?
Autosomal dominant
what is ductal carcinoma in situ?
pre-cancerous or cancerous epithelial cells of breast ducts
localised to single area
Potential to become invasive breast cancer
Generally good prognosis
what is lobular carcinoma in situ?
precancerous condition typically in pre-menopausal women
usually asymptomatic and undetectable on mammogram
increased risk of invasive breast cancer in future
often managed with close monitoring
what is invasive ductal carcinoma?
Most common
originates in cells of breast ducts
80% of invasive breast cancers
seen on mamograms
what is invasive lobular carcinoma?
10% of invasive breast cancers
from breast lobules
not always visible on mammograms
what is inflammatory breast cancer?
1-3% of breast cancer
similar to breast abscess or mastitis
swollen, warm, tender breat with peau d’orange
doesnt respond to antibiotics
worse prognosis
what is pagets disease of the nipple?
loosk like eczema of nipple
erythematous, scaly rash
indicates breast cancer of niple
may be DCIS or invasive breast cancer
requires biopsy, staging and treatment
when is breast cancer screening offered?
aged 50-70 every 3 years mammogram
what are 4 criteria that may require referral to secondary care for high risk breast cancer screening?
1st degree relative with breast cancer <40 years
1st degree male relative with breast cancer
1st degree relative with bilateral breast cancer <50 years
2x 1st degree relatives with breast cancer
what medications can be used as chemoprevention of breast cancer in those with high risk?
tamoxifen - premenopause
anastrozole - postmenopausal
what surgeries can be done for prevention of breast cancer in high risk women?
Bilateral mastectomy
OR
Bilateral oophorectomy
what is the referral criteria for breast lumps?
2ww
- unexplained lump in breast/axilla >30 years
- unilateral nipple changes >50 years
- Skin changes suggestive of breast cancer
Non-urgent referral for unexplained breast lump <30 years
what are 4 investigations for breast cancer?
mammogram
biopsy and histology
breast MRI
breast ultrasound - younger women
how are lymph nodes assessed in breast cancer?
US of axilla and US guided biopsy of abnormal nodes
Sentinel lymph node biopsy used in surgery
what are 2 investigations needed of confirmed breast cancer?
hormone receptor testing - oestrogen and progesterone receptor status
HER2 testing
what medication can be used in HER2 positive breast cancer?
trastuzamab (herceptin)
what is the usual management for breast cacinoma in situ?
lumpectomy + radiotherapy
tamoxifen/aromatase inhibitors can be used in susceptible tumours
what are 3 risk factors of tamoxifen?
Increased risk endometrial cancer
Increased risk VTE
Menopausal symptoms
what is pagets disease of the breast?
eczema like changes to skin of nipple and areola - sign of breast cancer
dark scaly rash - often sore and inflamed
What causes peau d’orange?
blocked lymphatic drainage causes superficial oedema with sweat ducts making small dimples
what type of tumour can cause gynacomastia due to oestrogen secretion?
leydig cell tumour - testicular cancer
What is the first line medication for oestrogen receptor +ve breast cancer if premenopausal women?
tamoxifen
given for 5-10 years
what is the MOA of tamoxifen?
selective oestrogen receptor modulator
blocks oestrogen receptors in breast tissue and stimulates in uterus and bone - helps prevent osteoporosis but increases risk of endometrial cancer
What is the first line medication for oestrogen receptor +ve breast cancer in post-menopausal women?
Aromatase inhibitors
e.g. anastrozole
given for 5-10 years
What medication is used in HEr2 +ve breast cancer?
Trastuzamab
3 weekly injections for a year after surgery
2 - pertizumab, neratinib
what is one contraindication to trastuzumab?
cannot be given in Hx of heart disorders
what chemotherapy is used in breast cancer?
FEC-D
Fluorouracil
Epirubicin
Cyclophosphamide
Docetaxel
where does breast cancer most commonly metastasise to?
2Ls 2Bs
Lungs
Liver
Bones - most common
Brain
what is one complication of axillary lymph node clearance in breast cancer?
chronic lymphoedema
what is the management of chronic lymphoedema?
massage techniques
compression bandages
lymphoedema exercises to improve drainage
weight loss
good skin care
what are 5 side effects of breast radiotherapy?
general fatigue
local skin and tissue irritation and swelling
fibrosis of breast tissue
shrinking of breast tissue
long term skin colour changes
what is the follow up of breast cancer patients?
mammograms yearly for 5 years post clearance (or longer if under screening age)
what are 2 options for breast reconstruction after breast conserving surgery?
partial reconstruction
reduction and reshaping
what are the options for breast reconstruction after mastectomy?
breast implants
flap reconstruction - using latismus dorsi, rectus abdominis or just subcutaneous tissue but no muscle
What is the most common types of vulval cancer?
squamous cell carcinoma - 90%
what are 5 risk factors for vulval cancer?
advanced age (>75)
immunosuppression
HPV
lichen sclerosis
Vulval intraepithelial neoplasia
what is the premalignant form of vulval cancer?
vulval intraepithelial neoplasia
what type of vulval intraepithelial neoplasia is associated with younger people?
high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion - associated w/ HPV infection
What type of vulval intraepithelial neoplasia is associated with older people?
differentiated VIN associated w/ liches sclerosis
what are 6 presentations of vulval cancer?
vulval lump
ulceration
bleeding
pain
itching
lymphadenopathy of the groin
what are the management options for VIN?
Watch and wait
Wide local excision
Imiquimod cream
laser ablation
what are 4 management options for vulval cancer?
Surgery - wide local excision or vulvectomy
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy - platinum based
Biologics - anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies
what are 6 presentations of vaginal cancer?
Lump in vagina
Ulcer and skin changes in/around vagina
Bleeding post menopause/post coital
Smelly/bloodstained discharge
Intermenstrual bleeding
Itch
what are 4 risk factors for vaginal cancer?
HPV infection
Hx of cervical/endometrial cancers
>75 years
AID/immunosuppression
What is the most common type of cervical cancer?
Squamous cell carcinoma
what is the second most common type of cervical cancer?
adenocarcinoma
What is the most common cause of cervical cancer?
Human papilloma virus (HPV)
16 and 18 most commonly
what cancers is HPV associated with?
Cervical
Anal
Valval
Vagina
Penile
Mouth and throat
what 2 strains of HPV are responsible for 70% of cervical cancers?
16 and18
How does HPV promote cancers?
Inhibits tumour suppressor genes (P53 and pRb)
What are 6 risk factors for cervical cancer?
increased risk of catching HPV
non-engagement with screening
smoking
HIV
COCP >5 years
family history
what increases your risk of catching HPV? (5)
early sexual activity
Increased number of sexual partners
sex work
not using condoms
what are 4 cervical appearances that may suggest cancer?
ulceration
inflammation
bleeding
visible tumour
what are 4 presentations of cervical cancer?
abnormal vaginal bleeding - intermenstrual, postcoital, post menopausal
vaginal discharge
pelvic pain
dyspareunia (painful sex)
what is the premalignant form of cervical cancer?
cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)
How is CIN diagnosed?
colposcopy
what is CIN I?
mild dysplasia affecting 1/3rd thickness of epithelial layer - likely to return to normal without treatment