lung cancers - mesothelioma

Question 1

classification of primary lung cancers

Answer 1

primary lung cancer –> pleural or parenchymal

pleural –> mesothelioma

parenchymal –> small cell or non small cell

non small cell –> squamous, adenocarcinoma, carcinoid, large cell

Question 2

what are the metastases sites of primary lung cancers

Answer 2

• bone
• liver
• adrenals
• brain
• lymph nodes

Question 3

what is mesothelioma

Answer 3

A pleural malignancy, which affects pleura (MC) and peritoneum (LC)

Question 4

who to suspect mesothelioma in

Answer 4

suspect in MALES 40-70 with ASBESTOS EXPOSURE DECADES AGO (a latent period)

Question 5

main cause of mesothelioma

Answer 5

asbestos

Question 6

lung symptoms of mesothelioma

Answer 6

• SOB
• recurrent chest pain
• constant cough w haemoptysis
• Compression: e.g. recurrent laryngeal (hoarse voice)
• bone pain

Question 7

cancer symptoms of mesothelioma

Answer 7

• TATT
• night sweats
• weight loss
• rigors

Question 8

what investigations for mesothelioma

Answer 8

1. imaging - CXR & CT - first line
2. biopsy - diagnostic
3. CA-125

Question 9

what does imaging for mesothelioma show

Answer 9

IMAGING
(first CXR, then CT)

shows pleural thickening +/- effusion

Question 10

why is CA-125 used to diagnose mesothelioma

Answer 10

CA-125 may be raised nonspecifically (mainly associated w OVARIAN ca)

it is sensitive but not specifc

Question 11

how to treat mesothelioma

Answer 11

very aggressive tumour so purely palliative

can try surgery and chemo if found early but generally resistant