Question 1

When screening for metastatic cancer in a patient with lung cancer, what will the provider assess for? (Select all that apply.)&#10;A) Reports of headache&#10;B) Increased presence of a cough&#10;C) Diagnostically confirmed low hematocrit&#10;D) Existence of lymph nodes greater than 1 cm&#10;E) Presence of unexplained weight gain greater than 10 pounds

Accepted Answer

Metastatic cancer can spread to various parts of the body, causing symptoms like headaches (if it spreads to the brain), low hematocrit (due to bone marrow involvement or chronic disease), and enlarged lymph nodes (indicating spread to the lymphatic system).

Question 2

A patient with a cough has a suspicious lung lesion, a mediastinal lymph mass, and several bone lesions. What test is indicated to determine histology and staging of this cancer?&#10;A) Biopsy of a bone lesion&#10;B) Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy&#10;C) Bronchoscopy with lung biopsy&#10;D) Thoracentesis and pleural fluid cytology

Accepted Answer

A

Question 3

A patient with limited stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has undergone chemotherapy with a good initial response to therapy. What will the provider tell this patient about the prognosis for treating this disease?

A) Surgical resection will improve survival chances dramatically.
B) That relapse is likely with a 2-year overall survival of 50%.
C) There is an 80% chance of 5-year survival.
D) Treatment will proceed with curative intent.

B

Accepted Answer

While initial response to chemotherapy may be good, the overall prognosis for limited stage SCLC is typically guarded. Relapse is common, with a 2-year overall survival rate of around 50% even with appropriate treatment. Surgical resection is typically not an option for SCLC due to the systemic nature of the disease. Though some patients may achieve long-term remission, the overall goal of treatment is typically palliative rather than curative.

Deck 91: Lung Cancer