Oncology Flashcards
What are the features that are evaluated for the grading of breast cancer?
- Tubule formation
- Mitoses
- Nuclear pleomorphism
- Coarse chromatin
What investigation is done when multiple myeloma is suspected?
Serum or urine protein electrophoresis
What is multiple myeloma?
Haematological malignancy characterised by plasma cell proliferation
What causes multiple myeloma?
Genetic mutations that occur as B-lymphocytes mature into plasma cells
What is the median age at presentation of multiple myeloma?
70 years old
What is the pathophysiology behind tumour lysis syndrome?
The rapid breakdown of a large number of cancer cells leads to the release of a large amount of intracellular content into the bloodstream overwhelming homeostatic mechanisms leading to hyperuricaemia, hyperphosphataemia, hyperkalaemia and/or hypocalcaemia
What cancers are tumour lysis syndrome most associated with?
- High-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (e.g. Burkitt’s lymphoma)
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
What can patients with tumour lysis syndrome present with?
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Muscle cramps
- Tetany
- Seizures
- AKI
What is the treatment for tumour lysis syndrome?
Intensive fluid resuscitation with correction of electrolyte imbalances
What cancers are the BRCA gene associated with?
- Breast and ovarian in women
- Breast and prostate in men
What is the cut-off age for BRCA gene testing when a first-degree relative develops an associated cancer?
<50
What is the most common kind of breast cancer?
Ductal carcinoma followed by lobular carcinoma
