Respiratory System Tumors

Question 1

What is the function of the respiratory system?

Answer 1

The respiratory system is responsible for gas exchange, delivering oxygen to the body and removing carbon dioxide.

Question 2

What are the main structures of the lower respiratory system?

Answer 2

The lower respiratory system includes the trachea, bronchi, lungs (right lung has 3 lobes, left lung has 2), and alveoli.

Question 3

What is the pleura?

Answer 3

The pleura is the lining surrounding the lungs.

Question 4

What is the carina?

Answer 4

The carina is the bifurcation point of the trachea at the T4/T5 vertebrae.

Question 5

What is small cell lung cancer (SCLC)?

Answer 5

SCLC is an aggressive form of lung cancer, comprising 10-15% of all lung cancer cases, and is prone to early metastasis.

Question 6

What is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)?

Answer 6

NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer, comprising 80-85% of cases, and includes adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma.

Question 7

What are the primary risk factors (plural) for lung cancer?

Answer 7

The primary risk factors include smoking, exposure to radon, asbestos, air pollution, and being over 65 years old.

Question 8

What percentage of lung cancer cases is attributed to smoking?

Answer 8

Approximately 80% of lung cancer cases are linked to smoking.

Question 9

What are common local symptoms of lung cancer?

Answer 9

Local symptoms include persistent cough, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), airway obstruction, and chest pain.

Question 10

What is Superior Vena Cava (SVC) syndrome in lung cancer?

Answer 10

SVC syndrome is caused by tumor compression of the superior vena cava, leading to swelling in the face and arms, distended veins, and shortness of breath.

Question 11

What are common regional symptoms of lung cancer?

Answer 11

Regional symptoms include chest pain, nerve entrapment, hoarseness, dysphagia, and vascular obstruction.

Question 12

What are Pancoast tumors?

Answer 12

Pancoast tumors occur in the apex of the lung and can cause shoulder pain, muscle atrophy, and Horner syndrome (ptosis, miosis, anhidrosis).

Question 13

What are paraneoplastic syndromes?

Answer 13

Paraneoplastic syndromes are caused by hormone-like substances secreted by tumors, leading to symptoms like hypercalcemia, finger clubbing, and gynecomastia.

Question 14

How is lung cancer diagnosed?

Answer 14

Lung cancer is often diagnosed with low-dose CT scans, chest x-rays, and tests to assess lung function.

Question 15

What is the TNM staging system in lung cancer?

Answer 15

The TNM system classifies lung cancer based on tumor size (T), lymph node involvement (N), and metastasis (M).

Question 16

What are the two stages of SCLC?

Answer 16

1. Limited stage: Confined to one side of the chest and can be treated with one radiation field.
2. Extensive stage: Spread beyond the chest.

Question 17

What are common sites of lung cancer metastasis?

Answer 17

Lung cancer commonly spreads to the brain, bones, liver, adrenal glands, and the contralateral lung.

Question 18

What is the role of surgery in lung cancer treatment?

Answer 18

Surgery, such as lobectomy or pneumonectomy, is usually reserved for early-stage NSCLC. SCLC typically does not involve surgery.

Question 19

What are common chemotherapy drugs for lung cancer?

1 latin, 2 taxels, a gem, & a poside

Answer 19

Common drugs include cisplatin, paclitaxel, docetaxel, gemcitabine, and etoposide.

Question 20

What is Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation (PCI)?

Answer 20

PCI is used in SCLC to prevent metastasis to the brain by irradiating the entire brain, even if no metastasis has been detected.

Question 21

What are the radiation therapy dose limits for the lungs and spinal cord?

Answer 21

Lungs: 17 Gy can cause pneumonitis.

Spinal cord: 27 Gy can lead to myelitis.

Question 22

What is the tumoricidal dose for lung cancer?

remember that this is the dose for a lung tumor not the whole

Answer 22

The tumoricidal dose for lung cancer is 60 Gy.

Question 23

What are common side effects of lung cancer radiation therapy?

Answer 23

Side effects include pneumonitis, esophagitis, dysphagia, erythema, and fatigue.

Question 24

How can lung cancer be prevented?

Answer 24

Lung cancer prevention includes avoiding smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, and testing homes for radon.

Question 25

What is radon, and how does it affect lung cancer risk?

Answer 25

Radon is a radioactive gas that forms from the decay of uranium in soil and rocks. Long-term exposure to high levels of radon increases the risk of lung cancer.

Question 26

What role does diet play in preventing lung cancer?

Answer 26

Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of lung cancer.

Question 27

What are Pancoast tumor symptoms?

Answer 27

Pancoast tumors can cause shoulder pain, atrophy of hand muscles, and Horner syndrome (drooping eyelid, smaller pupil, lack of sweating).

Question 28

What is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers?

Answer 28

Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, especially in non-smokers.

Question 29

How does secondhand smoke contribute to lung cancer risk?

Answer 29

Exposure to secondhand smoke significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer, even in non-smokers.

Question 30

What is the prognosis for patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC)?

Answer 30

SCLC has a poorer prognosis due to early metastasis and aggressive nature, with most patients diagnosed at an advanced stage.