Oncology - Rarer Cancers Flashcards
what are the 5 key rare cancers to know about
Germ Cell tumours
Head & neck cancers
Renal cancer
Skin cancers & cutaneous melanoma
CNS tumours
what is a germ cell tumour
tumours from reproductive cells
what is the prognosis of a germ cell tumour
good
85% cured
cancer aggressive but treatable
how is a germ cell tumour managed
conservative surgery - preserve fertility
Chemo - if advanced
CT and biopsy to monitor
what are some of causes of a CNS tumour
sporadic
ionising radiation
immunosuppressed
family cancer syndromes
what are some of the familial cancer syndromes
neurofibromatosis
Li-Fraumeri
von Hippel-Lindau syndrome
what are the genes which are associated with
neurofibromatosis T1
neurofibromatosis T2
Li-Fraumeri
von Hippel-Lindau syndrome
neurofibromatosis T1 - NF1
neurofibromatosis T2 - NF2
Li-Fraumeri - p53
von Hippel-Lindau syndrome - VHL
what are some of the more common symptoms of a CNS tumour
Headache
Cranial or spinal nerve pain/dysfunction
Nausea/Vomiting
Weakness
why are the CNS symptoms present
due to effects of tumour on nerve roots, direct infiltration of cord & brain or hydrocephalus
what is the management of a CNS tumour
varies
can be cured by chemo/radiation/surgery
can be terminal
who is more likely to get renal cancer M or F?
M
what is THE key risk factor for renal cancer
smoking (4x)
what are some of the risk factors for renal cancer
smoking
obesity
Chemical exposure
VHL disease
MET germline mutations
dialysis treatment - CKD
Familial
how can patients with renal cancer typically present
Macroscopic haematuria
Lower back pain
Palpable lumbar mass
Anaemia
Fatigue
Incidentally, asymptomatic (ultrasound, MR)
how many patients are asymptomatic for renal cancer
85-90% of patients have NO symptoms
