Small cell lung cancer

Question 1

What proportion of small cell lung cancer?

Answer 1

20%

Question 2

What is the definition of SCLC?

Answer 2

1. Small cell lung cancer is strongly associated with smoking
2. Contain neurosecretory granules and release neuroendocrine hormones

Question 3

What is the pathology of SCLC?

Answer 3

1. Usually central

2. Associated with ectopic disease

Question 4

What are the 2 endocrine paraneoplastic syndromes associated?

Answer 4

1. SIADH - ectopic ADH secretion leads to hyponatraemia

2. Ectopic ACTH - Cushng’s syndrome

Question 5

What are the other 2 paraneoplastic syndromes associated with small cell lung cancer?

Answer 5

1. Limbic encephalitis -

immune system makes antibodies against tissues in brain, in limbic system causes inflammation.
( seizures/confusion)

anti-Hu antibodies

2. Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome

Question 6

What is Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome?

Answer 6

Antibodies produced by the immune system which target the voltage gated calcium channels

1. weakness in proximal muscles
2. Diplopia and ptosis
3. Slurred speech and dysphafia