Cancer of the Lung Review

These vocabulary flashcards cover the etiology, anatomic alterations, classifications, staging, clinical manifestations, and management of lung cancer as presented in the lecture notes.

Total annual new cases of lung cancer

More than $228,190$ new cases are reported in the United States annually.

Anatomic Alterations of the Lungs in cancer

Includes inflammation, excessive mucus production, airway obstruction, atelectasis, alveolar consolidation, cavity formation, and pleural effusion.

Non–small-cell cancer (NSCLC)

A category of lung cancer including Squamous cell carcinoma, Adenocarcinoma, and Large-cell carcinoma (Undifferentiated).

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC)

Also known as small-cell (or oat cell carcinoma).

Squamous cell carcinoma

A cancer with a slow growth rate and late metastasis, mostly to hilar lymph nodes.

Adenocarcinoma

A lung cancer characterized by a moderate growth rate and early metastasis.

Large-cell carcinoma

A cancer with a rapid growth rate and early, widespread metastasis.

Small-cell (oat cell) carcinoma characteristics

A cancer with a very rapid growth rate and very early metastasis to the mediastinum or distally in the lung.

Definitive diagnosis of lung cancer

Achieved through viewing a tissue sample (biopsy) under a microscope.

Staging

The process of classifying information about cancer type, tumor size, lymph node involvement, and the extent of spread.

TNM classification

The system most often used for staging where T represents the extent of the primary tumor, N denotes lymph node involvement, and M indicates the extent of metastasis.

T0

A TNM symbol indicating no evidence of tumor.

Nx

A TNM symbol indicating that regional lymph nodes cannot be assessed.

Limited SCLC

Cancer confined to only one lung and to its neighboring lymph nodes.

Extensive SCLC

Cancer that has spread beyond one lung and nearby lymph nodes, potentially invading both lungs or other organs.

Obstruction-based PFT values

Malignancy originating in major airways may show obstructive pathology, especially if COPD is present.

Restriction-based PFT values

Malignancy involving large amounts of pulmonary tissue or the diaphragm may show restrictive pathology.

Hemodynamic values in SVC compression

Includes an increased Central Venous Pressure (CVP), decreased Pulmonary Artery (PA) pressure, and decreased Cardiac Output (CO).

Superior vena cava syndrome

A non-respiratory manifestation characterized by distention of the neck veins and neck/facial edema.

Wedge resection

Surgery involving the partial removal of a lung lobe.

Segmentectomy

Surgery involving the removal of a lung segment or segments of the lung.

Lobectomy

Surgery involving the removal of one lung lobe.

Bilobectomy

Surgery involving the removal of two lung lobes.

Pneumonectomy

Surgery involving the removal of the whole right or left lung.

Palliative care

Type of care focused on treating the symptoms of the cancer rather than the cancer itself.

Chest radiograph of Squamous cell carcinoma

Can illustrate a large size, such as a $10 \times 8\text{-cm}$ mass pushing the trachea to the unaffected side.