Paeds Oncology Flashcards
is childhood cancer common?
no
1 in 600
what is the most common childhood cancer?
ALL
what is the prognosis of ALL?
good
90% survival
what age of paeds are most affected by cancers?
0-4 yrs
state some risk factors of childhood cancers?
genetics - downs, fanconi, Li fraumeni familial cancer syndrome
environmental - radiation, viral infections (EBV, Hep B, HIV)
iatrogenic - Chemo, RT
what are some red flag symptoms that prompt urgent referral ?
unexplained petechiae
hepatosplenomegaly
pallor
lump mass swelling (head and neck)
lymphadenopathy
bruising
state three oncological emergencies?
tumour lysis syndrome
febrile neutropenia
spinal cord compression
state some features of tumour lysis syndrome?
metabolic derangement
- high urate/K/phosphate
- low Ca
rapid death of tumour cells and release of their intracellular contents
is urate soluble or insoluble ?
insoluble so can’t be excreted by the kidneys
what is a common trigger for tumour lysis syndrome?
secondary to treatment for a cancer
what is the treatment for tumour lysis syndrome?
ECG monitoring hyper hydrate monitor treat hyperkalaemia - never give K - Ca resonium - salbutamol - insulin
what two medications can be used to reduce uric acid ?
urate oxidase uricozyme
- makes more soluble
allopurinol
- inhibits xanthine oxidase and prevents uric acid production
what is febrile neutropenia?
deficiency of circulating neutrophils
what is the criteria for neutrophils and temp for febrile neutropenia?
neutrophils <0.5 x 10^9
temp >38
what investigations should be done for febrile neutropenia?
cultures
swabs
stool
urine
state some features of spinal cord compression?
weakness, spine tenderness, sphincter disturbance, sensory disturbance, gait disturbance, back pain
what is the treatment for spinal cord compression?
MRI steroids chemo surgery • Laminectomy • Laminotomy • Laminoplasty
are males or females more affected by childhood cancer?
males
- require more treatment
what is a major risk factor for childhood cancer?
pre maturity
state three cancers that EBV is associated with?
burkitt
hodgkin
nasopharyngeal
