Conditions of the Abdomen Flashcards
(173 cards)
What are common causes of LLQ pain?
IBD
Diverticulitis
Ovarian cyst, tumor
PID
IBS
Colon Cancer
What are the common causes of RLQ pain?
Appendicitis
Ileo-cecal valve problems ie: Crohn’s Disease
PID
Ectopic Pregnancy
Ovarian cyst or tumor
What are the common causes of RUQ pain?
Hepatitis
Cholecystitis
Gastritis
Nephrolithiasis
What are the common causes of LUQ pain?
Splenomegaly
Gastritis
Pancreatitis
Nephrolithiasis
What are common cause of epigastric pain?
GERD
PUD
Hiatal Hernia
Esophagitis
Gastritis
Pancreatitis
What are the two (2) types of esophageal cancer and what are the risk factors for each one?
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Smoking, Spirits, Seeds (Betel Nut, Tobacco) , Scalding (hot liquids), HPV infection
Adenocarcinoma: Barrett’s Esophagus, Smoking, Obesity due to increased reflux, GERD
What are the signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer?
Progressive dysphagia (solids to liquids), chest pain, hemoptysis, cough, weight loss, hoarseness
How is esophageal cancer diagnosed?
Barium Swallow, Endoscopy, biopsy, cytological studies
What factors lead to the development of colon cancer?
Low fiber, high fat diet
Prolonged transit time
Low intestinal flora
High nitrosamines in the diet
Cigarette Smoking
Obesity
Physical Inactivity
Age >50 years; first degree relatives with colon cancer
What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
1) Asymptomatic for years
2) Right sided: anemia, weakness, DOE, palpitations, lethargy, abdominal pain without obstructive symptoms
3) Left sided: Change in bowel habits
4) Bowel obstruction during initial phases
5) Unexplained watery diarrhea as it progresses
6) If severe or metastatic you will get systemic sxs: weight loss, anorexia, fatigue
How is colon cancer diagnosed?
Fecal Occult Blood Test: Not sensitive or specific
Sigmoidoscopy
Colonoscopy (best)
Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)
*Direct imaging, colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy with biopsy
What tumor marker is used to monitor recurrence or progression of colon cancer?
Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA): Tumor Marker in colon cancer; 5 ng/ml have worse prognosis
What primary cancer sites metastasize to the liver?
Lung, Breast, Colon, Pancreas, Esophagus, Kidney, Stomach and skin
What viral infection is strongly related to hepatic carcinoma?
Chronic Liver Inflammation: Chronic Hepatitis B (oncogenic) and C
What are the signs and symptoms of hepatic carcinoma?
1) 33% Asymptomatic
2) Nonspecific: weight loss, anorexia, fever, anemia, nausea
3) RUQ or epigastric pain
4) Liver hard, tender and enlarged
5) Splenomegaly
6) Jaundice
7) Ascites
What lab changes would you expect from hepatic carcinoma?
1) Increased alpha-fetoprotein
2) Increased Bilirubin
3) Increase Alkaline phosphatase & GGT
4) Elevated ALT and AST
5) Elevated LDH
How is liver carcinoma diagnosed?
Liver Biopsy
What are the risk factors for developing pancreatic cancer?
Increase Age: mean age is 60
Obesity and physical inactivity
Diabetes mellitus
Chronic pancreatitis
Cigarette smoking
Diet high in saturated fats and processed meats
What are the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer?
1) Epigastric pain, persistent, dull pain that may radiate to the back
2) Anorexia, N/V
3) Anxiety/Depression
4) Jaundice
5) Onset DM > 55 years old
6) Weight loss
7) Loose stools
What is the prognosis for pancreatic cancer?
5 year survival rate < 5%
What imaging study would you order if you suspect pancreatic cancer?
CT scan with contrast
What’s in the DDx for pancreatic cancer?
1) Acute cholangitis
2) Chronic pancreatitis
3) Hepatitis
4) Cirrhosis
5) Liver Malignancy
What antigen is associated with pancreatic cancer?
CA -19-9
What might contribute to gallbladder cancer?
1) Primary sclerosing cholangitis
2) Hx of gallstones
4) Occupational carcinogen exposure
5) Chronic infection
6) Smoking Tobacco