Oncology Flashcards
What is hodgkins lymphoma?
malignant tumour of lymphatic system - characterised histologically by Reed Sternburg Cells
Describe the histology of Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Reed Sterburg cells (multinucleated giant cells)
abnormal and smaller mononuclear cells originating from B lymphocytes
Risk factors for Hodgkins lymphoma
EBV
previous mononucleosis
HIV
immunosuppression
Presentation of Hodgkins lymphoma
- enlarged but asymptomatic lymph node in lower neck or supraclavicular region (pain with alcohol)
- cyclical fever
- chest discomfort - cough dyspnoe (mediastinal lymph node involvement)
- B symptoms - night sweats, fever, weight loss
Staging of Hodgkins lymphoma
Ann Arbor
- one lymph node region or structure (spleen, thymus, waldeyers ring)
- >1 lymph node region on same side
- involvement both sides
- splenic, hilar, coeliac or portal
- para-aortic iliac or mesenteric
- extranodal
Modifying features of Hodgkins lymphoma
A: no symptoms
B: night sweats, fever, weight loss
X: > 1/3rd mediastium widening or >10cm diameter of mass
E: extranodal site
Potential examination findings of Hodgkins lymphoma
Lymphadenopathy
Hepatomegaly
Splenomegaly
Superior VC syndrome (facial swelling associated with SOB)
Hodgkins lymphoma investigations
FBC (leukamia, mono)
ESR (>70 bad prog)
LFT (low albumin bad prog)
HIV
CXR (lymphadenopathy and mediastinal expansion)
Lymph node and bone marrow biopsy (staging)
CT thorax and abdo (staging)
ABVD chemo
Doxorubicin
Bleomycin
Vinblastine
Dacarbazine
BEACOPP chemo
Bleomycin
Etoposide
Doxorubicin
Cyclophosphamide
Vincristine
Procarbazine
Prednisolone
What can additional things can you give with chemo
- Abx to any pt with severe neutropenia
- Recombinant human granulocyte colony - stimulating factor stimulates neutrophil production so could reduce duration of chemo induced neutropenia reducing incidence of associated sepsis
Management of Hodgkins lymphoma
Early: ABVD then radio (preceeded by BEACOPP in unfavourable prog)
Advanced: ABDV/BEACOPP
ASCT= autologous stem cell transplant
follow up for Hodgkins lymphoma
OPD 2-5 years
TFT if radio to neck and upper mediastinum
made aware theyre increased risk of secondary mags, CVD, pulmonary disease and infertility
Prognosis of Hodgkins lymphoma
80-90% patients achieve permanent remission
poor prognostic indicators
- increasing age
- male
- B symptoms
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what are the oncological emergencies?
- neutropenic sepsis
- spinal cord compression
- SVC obstruction with airway compromise
- hypercalaemia
- tumour lysis syndrome
- raised ICP
- SIADH
- Haemorrhage
- Anaphylaxis
Causes and presentation of neutopenic sepsis
Bone marrow suppression due to chemo
usually presents 5-12 days after chemo
generally unwell, confusion or drowsiness
HR>90 RR>20
Investigations and management of neutropenic sepsis
- Septic screen
- neutrophils <0.5 with either temp>38 or Sx sepsis
Mx: immediate empirical Abx - IV Tazosin
Cause and presentation of spinal cord compression
causes: extradural mets, direct extension of tumour, crush fracture
Presentation: back pain, weakness, sensory loss, bowel and bladder dysfunction
Investigations and management of spinal cord compression
Ix: URGENT MRI whole spine
Mx: dexa, radio, decompression surgery
SVC obstruction causes
malignancy
- lung
- thymus
- lymphoma
- mediastinal enlargement
thrombotic disorders
thrombus around IV Central line