Oncology Flashcards
Which gene mutations are commonly seen in breast and ovarian cancer?
BRCA1 (chr 17) - breast 80%, ovarian 40%, colorectal
BRCA2 (chr 13) - breast 80%, prostate
Which 4(/5) cancers have the commonest incidence?
Skin
Breast / prostate
Lung
Colorectal
Which 3(/4) cancers have the commonest mortality?
Lung
Breast/prostate
Colorectal
What is familial adenomatous polyposis?
An AD condition in which numerous adenomatous polyps form in the epithelium of the large intestine. They may malignantly transform into colon cancer if left untreated.
What is an adenoma?
A benign tumour of glandular tissue
What genetic mutation occurs in familial adenomatous polyposis?
APC gene on chr 5
+ p53 or kRAS
Which genes are associated with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC)
Lynch 1 and Lynch 2
Which cancers are associated with lynch 2?
Colorectal cancer + 1 of:
- ovarian
- endometrial
- pancreas
- small bowel
- renal pelvis
What is Peutz-Jeghers syndrome?
AD genetic disorder characterised by the development of benign hamartomatous polyps in the GI tract + hyperpigmented macules on the lips and oral mucosa
What is a koilocyte?
A squamous epithelial cell that has undergone structural changes due to infection by human papillomavirus (HPV)
What is CA 125 a tumour marker for?
Ovarian cancer
What is CA 19-9 a tumour marker for?
Pancreatic cancer
What is CA 15-3 a tumour marker for?
Breast cancer
CA 125, CA 19-9 and CA 15-3 are all what type of antibody?
Monoclonal antibodies
What is alpha-feto protein a tumour marker (antigen) for ?
Hepatocellular carcinoma, teratoma
What is carcinoembryonic antigen a tumour marker for?
Colorectal cancer
What is S-100 (antigen) a tumour marker for?
Melanoma, schwannomas
What is Bombesin (antigen) a tumour marker for?
Small cell lung carcinoma, gastric cancer, neuroblastoma
What do PET scans measure?
Metabolic activity
Give an example of a 5HT3 receptor antagonist used for nausea during chemotherapy.
Ondansatron
What is LiFraumeni syndrome?
AD condition where there are mutations to the p53 tumour suppression gene
–> sarcomas and leukaemias
Occurs <45 yrs
What is the most common early feature of spinal cord compression?
Back pain
What are the 3 most common tumours to spread to bone? (Most common first)
Prostate
Breast
Lung
What is a side-effect of doxorubicin?
Cardiomyopathy
What are the most common sites for bone mets (most common first)?
Spine Pelvis Ribs Skull Long bones
Name 4 features of bone mets.
Bone pain
Pathological fractures
Hypercalcaemia
Raised ALP
What is the initial management of spinal cord compression?
Oral dexamethasone
What is Pemberton sign and when is it positive?
Patient raises arms until they touch the side of their face.
Positive = develops cyanosis, worsening SOB, facial congestion
- sign of SVC obstruction
What is the initial treatment of SVC obstruction?
Oxygen and dexamethasone
Name 4 adverse effects of methotrexate.
Myelosuppresion, mucositis, liver fibrosis, lung fibrosis
What is the most common cause of SVC obstruction?
Small cell lung cancer
What is the most common type of lung cancer in non-smokers?
Lung adenocarcinoma
What type of lung cancer might secrete beta-hCG?
Large cell lung carcinoma
Which type of lung cancer is strongly associated with finger clubbing?
Squamous cell cancer
Which type of lung cancer is associated with parathyroid hormone-related protein secretion (PTH-rP)?
Squamous cell cancer
–> hypercalcaemia
What is the major adverse effect of bleomycin?
Lung fibrosis
Which type of lung cancer has the strongest association with smoking?
Squamous cell lung cancer (commonly found near large airways)
