Internal Diseases – Part 1 (Rheumatology, Pulmonology, Phthisiatrics, Cardiology, Haematology) · MU Plovdiv

10. Lung cancer - clinical features, diagnosis, treatment

Inside: 12 sections · 4 min

Topic 15 of 68 in the MU Plovdiv syllabus for Internal Diseases – Part 1 (Rheumatology, Pulmonology, Phthisiatrics, Cardiology, Haematology) (Medicine, Year 4). The free AceMed note covers it in 12 sections, about 484 words (4 min of reading).

In this note

  1. Essay 10- Lung cancer- clinical features, diagnosis, treatment
  2. Definition
  3. Etiology
  4. Types
  5. Pathophysiology
  6. Pathology
  7. Symptoms
  8. Physical examination
  9. Diagnosis
  10. DD
  11. Treatment
  12. Complications

Definition

  • Lung cancer is characterised by malignant uncontrolled cell growth in tissues of the lung

Etiology

  • Tobacco smoking- person who smokes more than one pack a week has 20-25x greater risk of developing lung cancer
  • Air pollution from motor vehicles, factories and other sources
  • People with COPD have 4-6x greater risk of cancer
  • Asbestos exposure
  • Family history
  • Long term exposure to radon
  • Certain occupations

Types

  • Small cell carcinoma- very aggressive, rapid growth, early spread
  • Non-small cell carcinoma- approximately 85% of all cancers are of this type. Divided further into adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma. Produces no symptoms until disease is advanced
  • Squamous cell carcinoma- moderate to poor cell differentiation, 30-40% of all cases of lung cancer. Metastasizes in liver, adrenal glands and lymph nodes
  • Adenocarcinoma- most common type of lung cancer, glandular appearance, hihgly metastatic in nature
  • Large cell carcinoma- poorly differentiated cells, occurs in periphery of lung, metastasis is slow but can occur early

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