Pathology of lung cancer Flashcards
What are the 2 kinds of neoplasms?
1) primary
- benign and malignant
2) metastatic
what are the 4 types of lung cancer?
1) small cell carcinomas
2) adenocarcinomas
3) squamous carcinoma
4) large cell carcinomas
- adeno-carcinomas. squamous & large cell are grouped into NON-SMALL CELL CARCINOMAS.
what has the BEST & WORST prognosis - small cell or non-small cell?
- small cell = worst
- non-small cell = best
what are the features of small cell lung cancers?
- very aggressive
- rapid growth
- early metastases, usually spread from primary site by the time the patient is seen
- rare
where is the usual location of small cell lung cancers?
- usually arise from the bronchi
- centrally located
what are the features of adenocarcinomas?
- slower growth
- metastases more common at presentation
- most cases are associated with smoking
where is the usual location of adenocarcinomas?
- usually periphery tutors that arise from glandular epithelial cells
what are the features of squamous cell carcinomas?
- slower growth
- later metastases
where is the usual location of squamous cell carcinomas?
- located in the central part of the lung & proximal bronchus
what are the features of large cell carcinomas?
- slower growth
- later metastases
what are the main risk factors for developing lung cancer?
1) cigarette smoke
2) asbestos
3) gas exposure
4) family history of lung cancer
5) radiotherapy exposure
6) exposure to cancer causing chemicals
what are the local effects of primary lung cancer?
- cough
- unintentional weight loss
- haemoptysis
= fresh or old blood can be coughed up - breathlessness
- chest pain
= if the tumour invades the chest wall, pleura or rib - wheeze
- hoarse voice
- recurrent chest infections
where are common site for metastases?
1) liver
2) bone
3) lymph nodes
4) brain
what oncogenes are present in small cell long cancer?
myc
what tumour suppressor genes are present in small celll lung cancer?
p53
Rb
3p
