Lung Carcinoma Lecture Notes

Vocabulary based flashcards covering the types, diagnosis, staging, and treatment of lung carcinoma.

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

The two main histologic subtypes of lung carcinoma.

Cigarette smoking

The major risk factor for lung carcinoma, associated with $>80\%$ of cases.

Common symptoms of lung carcinoma

Cough, chest discomfort, hemoptysis, dyspnea, weight loss, dysphonia, fatigue, and fever.

Chest X-ray

The initial imaging test used to detect lung carcinoma.

CT scan (high-resolution)

An imaging technique used to identify tumor size, lymph nodes ($N\text{-stage}$), and potential metastatic spread ($M\text{-stage}$, as well as guiding needle biopsies.

Biopsy

The procedure required for confirmation of lung carcinoma after an initial imaging test.

Tissue diagnosis procedures

Methods used to obtain samples for diagnosis, including Bronchoscopy, Percutaneous Needle Biopsy, Thoracoscopy, and Mediastinoscopy.

PET scan

An imaging technique used specifically for detecting distant metastases.

TNM staging system

A system where $T$ stands for Tumor size, $N$ stands for Lymph node involvement, and $M$ stands for Metastasis.

Stage IV

The stage at which lung carcinoma is considered metastatic.

Limited disease and extensive disease

The two categories used to stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Standard treatment options

Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Palliative care

A form of care important in stage IV lung cancer for symptom relief and improvement of quality of life.

Surgical resection

The first-line treatment for early-stage Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

SCLC surgical contraindication

Surgery is generally not performed for small cell lung carcinoma because it is highly metastatic at diagnosis.