Lung tumours

Question 1

is lung cancer more common in men or women?

Answer 1

men 2:1

Question 2

lung cancer accounts for what percentage of all cancer deaths?

Answer 2

1/3rd

Question 3

causes of lung cancer

Answer 3

cigarette smoking - main cause
occupational: asbestos, radon, nickel, arsenic
lung fibrosis is an important factor

Question 4

symptoms of lung cancer

Answer 4

cough
recurrent chest infections
haemoptysis
increasing SOB
general malaise
weight loss

Question 5

are the majority of lung cancers primary or metastatic from another cancer?

Answer 5

metastatic

Question 6

Of the lung cancers which are primary, which is the most common type of cancer?

Answer 6

Adenocarcinoma - 35%
Squamous Cell Carcinoma -
25%
Small cell lung carcinoma - 20%

Question 7

Lung cancers are broadly divided into small cell and non small cell. Which are higher grade and more aggressive? what is the main treatment for this cancer?

Answer 7

Small cell lung carcinoma - high grade, spreads rapidly.

Treatment = chemo but cure rates are low

Question 8

for non-small cell carcinoma, what is the primary treatment?

Answer 8

less severe so usually surgery can be used

Question 9

how do we diagnose lung cancer

Answer 9

bronchoscopy and biopsy of tissues taken for histology. needle aspiration for cytology.
frozen section performed if small part of tumour is resected.

Question 10

what is a pleural fibroma. are they usually benign or metastatic.

Answer 10

rounded tumour growing on pleura - 90% benign and only require surgical resection.

Question 11

What is the main causative agent of mesothelioma. What effect can mesothelioma have

Answer 11

Asbestos fibres which are inhaled, causes irritation which induces a pleural neoplasm in the form of mesothelioma.

Tumour spreads around the pleura sticking them together, invades into local chest, bone and chest wall tissues and can affect the oesophagus, heart, lungs etc.

Question 12

Treatment for mesothelioma which is recognised early

Answer 12

If recognised early due to recurrent pleural effusions, pleurectomy can be performed.

Question 13

Prognosis for mesothelioma?

Answer 13

Average duration to death for mesothelioma 8-12months so most of them die.