Comprehensive Guide to Cancer: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Lung Cancer Management

What are the three steps of cancer development?

Initiation, Promotion, Progression

What is anaplastic growth in cancer cells?

Anaplasia refers to the loss of differentiation and the reversion of cells to a more primitive state.

What does loss of contact inhibition mean in cancer cells?

Cancer cells continue to grow and divide without the normal signals that stop cell growth when they come into contact with other cells.

What are modifiable risk factors for cancer?

Sun exposure, tobacco use, alcohol use, diet, and sexual lifestyle.

What is the purpose of cancer staging?

To determine the exact location of cancer and the degree of metastasis.

What does the TNM classification stand for?

Tumor size (T), lymph Node involvement (N), and Metastasis (M).

What are common imaging studies used in cancer diagnosis?

MRI, Ultrasound, Nuclear medicine scans, and Direct visualization methods like bronchoscopy and colonoscopy.

What is the grading system for cancer?

Grading compares the cancer cells to normal parent cells, with grades ranging from G0 (normal) to G4 (undifferentiated).

What are the primary treatment modalities for cancer?

Surgical interventions, Radiation therapy, Chemotherapy, and Biotherapy.

What are common side effects of radiation therapy?

Skin irritation, fatigue, anorexia, and bone marrow suppression.

What is the role of biotherapy in cancer treatment?

To use biological agents to improve the immune system's response to cancer.

What is peripheral neuropathy in cancer patients?

Numbness and/or tingling in fingers and toes, often treated with medications like gabapentin or Lyrica.

What is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide?

Lung cancer.

What percentage of lung cancer cases are caused by smoking?

80-85%.

What is the survival rate for localized lung cancer at diagnosis?

56% five-year survival rate.

What is the significance of Low Dose CT Scan (LDCT) in lung cancer?

It reduces the chance of dying from lung cancer by 20%.

What are common psychological issues faced by cancer patients?

Personal meaning of cancer, role strain, caregiver strain, and spiritual distress.

What are some supportive therapies for cancer patients?

Nutrition management, pain management, and psychological support.

What is the importance of cancer screenings?

To assess the presence of risk factors and detect cancer early.

What are the side effects of chemotherapy?

Bone marrow suppression, nausea/vomiting, alopecia, mucositis, and peripheral neuropathy.

What is the benefit conundrum associated with low dose CT scans?

You are exposed to radiation during the scan.

How is a pack year calculated?

Number of cigarette packs smoked per day multiplied by the number of years smoked.

What are common clinical manifestations of lung cancer in early stages?

Often non-specific symptoms; later symptoms include hoarseness, persistent cough/hemoptysis, dyspnea, chest pain, weight loss/cachexia, and recurrent respiratory infections.

What diagnostic tests are used for lung cancer?

CXR, CT/MRI/PET scans, bronchoscopy, mediastinoscopy, thoracentesis, sputum cytology, ultrasound with biopsy, and blood tests.

What is the purpose of a PET scan in lung cancer diagnosis?

To identify cancer cells that take up a radioactive sugar substance more quickly than normal cells.

What is the survival rate for localized small cell lung cancer after 5 years?

25%.

What is the overall survival rate for small cell lung cancer after diagnosis?

7%.

What percentage of lung cancers are small cell lung cancers?

10-15%.

What is the primary treatment for small cell lung cancer?

Chemotherapy and radiation.

What are the two classifications of non-small cell lung cancer?

Squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.

What percentage of lung cancers are adenocarcinomas?

40%.

What is a characteristic of squamous cell carcinoma?

It is centrally located and strongly associated with smoking.

What is the typical treatment approach for stage 1 or 2 non-small cell lung cancer?

Surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation.

Where does lung cancer commonly metastasize?

Brain, adrenal glands, liver, bones, and kidneys.

What is the treatment for non-small cell large cell carcinoma?

Surgery for stages 1 and 2, with limited benefits from chemotherapy.

What is the purpose of palliative care in lung cancer management?

To relieve symptoms and improve quality of life without curative intent.

What interventions are used for dyspnea management in lung cancer patients?

Oxygen therapy, positioning, air conditioning/fan, medications, and morphine.

What is a wedge resection in lung cancer surgery?

Removing a small portion of the lung with clear margins around the tumor.

What is thoracentesis used for?

To drain fluid from the pleural cavity in cases of pleural effusion.

What is the role of radiation therapy in lung cancer treatment?

To treat or palliate symptoms, especially in cases of obstruction or pain from bone metastasis.