MRCS part A- Principles of surgical oncology and breast and endocrine Flashcards
Define Chordoma
Bone tumour
What is the origin of Chordoma?
Remnants of notochord
What is the clinical picture of Chordoma?
I)Slow-growing tumour II)Location (a)anywhere from the skull base to the sacrum (b)the two most common locations are: -skull base -sacrum III)Histological types: (a)classical(conventional) -lobulated tumour -composed of group of cells -the cells have: +nuclei-(1)small (2)round +cytoplasm-(1)abundant (2)vacuolated (b)Chondroid -Shows features of both Chordoma and chondrosarcoma -Indolent clinical course (c)De-differentiated
What is the incidence of Chordoma?
Rare
What is the characteristic feature of the Chordoma?
Slow-growing bone tumour
What is the location of the chondroma?
(1) anywhere from the skull base to the sacrum
(2) the 2 most common locations are
- skull base
- sacrum
What are the histological types of chondroma?
a)classical(conventional)
-lobulated tumour
-composed of group of cells
-the cells have:
+nuclei-(1)small
(2)round
+cytoplasm(1)abundant
(2)vacuolated
(b)Chondroid-Shows features of both chondroma and chondrosarcoma
-Indolent clinical course
(c)De-differentiated
What is the other name for classical Chordoma?
Conventional
Discuss classical Chordoma
-lobulated tumour
-composed of group of cells
-the cells have:
+nuclei-(1)small
(2)round
+cytoplasm(1)abundant
(2)vacuolated
Discuss chondroid chordoma
-Shows features of both chondroma and
chondrosarcoma
-Indolent clinical course
Discuss treatment of Chordoma
Complete surgical resection followed by radiotherapy
+Advantages-offers the best chance of long term control
+Disadvantages-
(a)For surgery
Proximity to the spine compromises resection margins
(b)For radiotherapy
-Problem:(1)Chordomas are radio resistant requiring high doses of radiation to be controlled
(2)Proximity of Chordomas to vital neurological structures such as the brain stem and nerves
limits the dose of radiotherapy
-Solution:Highly focused radiation
.e.g.,-proton therapy
-carbon ion therapy
.more effective than conventional X-ray radiation
What is the specific treatment of Chordoma?
Complete surgical resection followed by radiotherapy
What is the advantage of both surgery and radiotherapy for Chordoma?
Offers the best chance of long term control
What are the disadvantages of surgery and radiotherapy for Chordoma?
(a)For surgery
Proximity to the spine compromises resection margins
(b)For radiotherapy
-Problem:(1)Chordomas are radio resistant requiring high doses of radiation to be controlled
(2)Proximity of Chordomas to vital neurological structures such as the brain stem and nerves
limits the dose of radiotherapy
-Solution:Highly focused radiation
.e.g.,-proton therapy
-carbon ion therapy
.more effective than conventional X-ray radiation
What is the disadvantage of surgery for Chordoma?
Proximity to the spine compromises resection margins
What are the disadvantages of radiotherapy for Chordoma?
-Problem:(1)Chordomas are radio resistant requiring high doses of radiation to be controlled
(2)Proximity of Chordomas to vital neurological structures such as the brain stem and
nerves limits the dose of radiotherapy
-Solution:Highly focused radiation
.e.g.,-proton therapy
-carbon ion therapy
.more effective than conventional X-ray radiation
What is the origin of colorectal cancer?
Adenomatous polyp
What is the advantage of colorectal cancer screening?
Reduce mortality by 12%
Discuss the NHS screening programmes
1st/National screening programme
+Features-Offers screening every 2 years to all males and females aged 60-69 years.
-more than 70 years may request screening.
+Method-Faecal occult blood:(1)sent through the post
(2)replaced by FIT testing
(3)If abnormal results-colonoscopy
2nd/NHS BOSS single sigmoidoscopy
+Features-At colonoscopy,approximately:(1)5 out of 10 have normal exam
(2)4 out of 10 have polyps which may be removed due to premalignant potential
(3)1 out of 10 have cancer
+Method-Single flexible sigmoidoscopy for patients aged 55 years
What is the national screening programme for colorectal cancer?
+Features-Offers screening every 2 years to all males and females aged 60-69 years.
-more than 70 years may request screening.
+Method-Faecal occult blood:(1)sent through the post
(2)replaced by FIT testing
(3)If abnormal results-colonoscopy
What are the features of the national screening programme?
- Offers screening every 2 years to all males and females aged 60-69 years.
- more than 70 years may request screening.
What is the method for national screening programme?
Faecal occult blood:(1)sent through the post
(2) replaced by FIT testing
(3) If abnormal results-colonoscopy
Discuss NHS BOSS single sigmoidoscopy
+Features-At colonoscopy,approximately:
(1)5 out of 10 have normal exam (2)4 out of 10 have polyps which may be removed due to premalignant potential
(3)1 out of 10 have cancer
+Method-Single flexible sigmoidoscopy for patients aged 55 years
What are the features of the NHS BOSS single sigmoidoscopy?
At colonoscopy,approximately:(1)5 out of 10 have normal exam
(2) 4 out of 10 have polyps which may be removed due to premalignant potential
(3) 1 out of 10 have cancer
















