Lung Cancer Flashcards
Types of lung cancer based on frequency
- Adenocarcinoma
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Small Cell Carcinoma
- Large Cell Carcinoma
- Metastatic Lung Disease
- Other
RFs for Lung Cancer
- Smoking
- Product of combustion- 2nd hand smoke / Car exhaust
- Asbestos
- Radon
CFs of Lung Cancer
Cough
Dyspnea
Hemoptysis
Wheezing
Fatigue
Weight loss
Paraneoplastic syndrome
Red flag for lung cancer
Recurrent pneumonia in the same anatomical location
How does Malignancy inc. the risk for pneumonia?
Bronchial obstruction –> Dec. ability to clear infection w/i lung parenchyma.
1st step in working up pts w/ suspected lung cancer
CT scan of chest
Definitive diagnosis of lung cancer
Tissue sample
- Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)-directed biopsy
- Video-assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS)
When is EBUS-directed biopsy usually used?
Central tumors
When is VATS usually used for diagnosis of lung cancer?
Peripheral tumors (can’t be accessed by EBUS)
Complications of Lung cancers
- Mass effects - SVC syndrome, Horner’s syndrome, Pancoast tumor
- Paraneoplastic syndromes
- Pleural effusions
- Metastasis
SVC Syndrome
Mediastinal/ Metastatic tumor –> Obstruction of SVC –> Venous dilation & edema –> “FACIAL FULLNESS” Swelling of head, neck & arms + “JVD”
Type of lung cancer mcc SVC syndrome
Small Cell Carcinoma
Horner’s Syndrome
Apical tumor –> Invasion of Cervical Sympathetic chain –> “UNILATERAL” facial anhidrosis + ptosis + miosis
Pancoast tumor
Superior Sulcus tumor –> Affects C8-T2 nerve roots –> Shoulder pain r/ down arm + arm weakness
+ Common w/ Horner’s syndrome
Common Sites of Metastasis
- Brian
- Bone
- Adrenal glands
- Liver
