Radiology of Lung Cancer Flashcards
What is the approach to a systematic review of the lungs on a CXR?
- Name/marker/rotation/penetration
- Lines/metal work
- Heart
- Mediastinum
- Lung zones
- Bones
- Diaphragm
- Soft tissue
What to look for in the mediastinum on a CXR?
Hilar structures crisply defined
No widening of structure
Central trachea
What to look for in the lungs on a CXR?
Compare upper, mid and lower zones
Look between ribs for lung detail
Remember to look “behind” heart
Why might the whole lung look opaque on a CXR?
If the tumour blocks a main bronchus, preventing air entering the lung
Why might a lobe of the lung look opaque on a CXR?
If the tumour is blocking one of the secondary bronchi
What are the areas that must be carefully reviewed on CXR for lung cancer?
Hila
Lung apices
Behind the heart
Behind the diaphragm
What are the important steps to do to prevent misdiagnosing lung cancer?
Compare CXR with previous imaging
Confirm lesion is intrapulmonary
What is the step after a chest x-ray if lung cancer is suspected?
Carry out CT
What is the CT scan to show after a CXR?
Size Shape Atelectasis (collapse) Border Density Solid or not solid Growth For dynamic contrast enhancement
What is a pulmonary mass?
An opacity in the lung > 3cm with no mediastinal adenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) or atelectasis
What is a pulmonary nodule?
An opacity in the lung up to 3cm with no mediastinal adenopathy or atelectasis
What is mediastinal adenopathy?
Invasion of a cancer in to the mediastinal lymph nodes
What will help distinguish a pulmonary nodule/mass caused by lung cancer from other causes?
Age and smoking history
What will help distinguish a pulmonary nodule/mass caused by metastases or from other causes?
Previous history of breast, renal, seminoma, sarcoma
What infections may cause a solitary pulmonary nodule/mass?
Bacterial, TB or fungal
Give an example of a benign lung neoplasm
Carcinoid, hamartoma
What does the T describe in the TNM staging?
How big it is and how far it has spread / size and position of the tumour
What does the N describe in the TNM staging?
Whether the cancer cells have spread into the lymph nodes