Lung Cancer Case Study Answers

transitory minor episode of chest pain approximately one year ago while she was vacationing in

A doctor can diagnose lung cancer through many tests. The doctor can have x-rays and CAT scans done to see what the inside of the lungs look like. By doing this that doctor is able to see what stage the cancer is in. A doctor may also do a test called a bronchoscope. This test allows the doctor to look inside the bronchial tubes and biopsy the tumor. The doctor then can take a small amount of the cells to study them to determine if the unusual cells are cancerous. If the cells turn out to be cancerous then the patient is in for many months even years of harsh treatment.

PHYSICAL EXAM: Temperature 98.6, Blood pressure 140/90. Pulse 110. Respirations 26. Her lungs are clear, showing mild signs of distress. Heart sounds are normal, irregular rhythm and bradycardia noted. No edema noted in extremities. Patient skin is cool to touch, slightly clammy. EEG shows prolonged QRS wave, with ischemic ST changes and PVCs. Chest radiograph clear.

A recent doctor 's visit reveals that Mr. Amos has stage 3 lung cancer, characterized by his symptoms of nagging chest pain, fatigue, coughing up blood, substantial weight loss, and increased carbon dioxide levels in his blood. The doctor informed Mr. Amos that had he quit his smoking habit several years ago, he would have reduced his risk for developing lung cancer later in life. Mr. Amos immediately begins treatment for the lung cancer that has metastasized to his lymph nodes.

However, there are stages in the lives of all humans when the body finds itself in a position where it is no longer able to defend itself against ailments and diseases and eventually may even lose the battle. One such disease which claims many lives every year in this manner is Cancer. So far so, there has been no cure for Cancer but some medicines and treatments are now available which can slow down and in some cases can even alter the effects of Cancer, depending on the stage at which the disease is at that moment. For this paper however we would concentrate on Lung Cancer and its effects.

A chest X-ray and CT scan result demonstrated a cavitation of the right lower pulmonary lobe. This result alone along with Bob’s history of smoking is a big red flag related to lung cancer. Bob’s history reveals that he has been smoking a ½ pack or more per day for 37 years. According to a study done on the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of lung cancer, habitual smokers have the highest risk of developing cancer of the lung than any other cancer (Herth, Eberhardt, Ernst, 2006). The study also concludes that a related association with lung cancer is swelling of the tissue, lung tumors and/cavitation, lymph in the bronchioles, and paratracheal areas. The swelling can lead to an obstructed airway, which matches Bob’s symptoms as well. Chest pain, stridor, and chest pain are all indications of complications in the respiratory system.

B. What percentage of lung cancer patients will last between 5 and 6 years? ____

State the radiographic findings seen in patients with pneumonia; state why some patients with pneumonia may have a normal chest radiograph

As a provider, one will take care of many females with varying degrees of chest discomfort. Therefore, one must be able to assess, diagnose, and treat this problem. For the purpose of this discussion, I will evaluate a patient that presents with chest pain. I will evaluate a case, consider the signs and symptoms presented by the woman, and develop differential diagnoses for the issue. I will also evaluate treatment options and education strategies for the patient.

I have caught up with Lesley-Anne eight months since the last appointment. In the last couple of months she has had a dry cough with some breathlessness, but no obvious wheeze. She is also experiencing some right upper quadrant pain and following the onset of the cough, has developed right lateral chest wall pain with tenderness. I gather she had an injection in the left side, possibly to treat costochondritis.

Data: Pulmonary function testing shows normal lung volumes. No obstruction is noted on spirometry. Th DLCO is mildly diminished.

The PET scanning is particularly useful in detecting cancer because most cancer cells use more glucose than normal tissues. In lung cancer, pet scans are sometimes used to observe for cancer in particular areas such as the lymph nodes, in the chest or to demonstrate the spreading activity of cancer cells to other areas the body. This would help the doctor to take a further decision about the treatment of a

• A PET (positron emission tomography) scan may help to show cancer activity in some other parts of the body. This can be helpful for “staging” the cancer (see

|Specific Purpose: |To inform readers on the causes, effects and treatments of lung cancer. |

Scientists study screening tests trying to find which tests have the fewest risks and most benefits. Three screening tests have been studied to see if they decrease the risk of dying from lung cancer, they are chest x-rays, sputum cytology and low-dose spiral CT scans. Of these tests, studies showed that only low-dose spiral CT scan reduced the risk of dying from lung cancer in high-risk populations. Chest x-ray and sputum cytology are two screening tests that have been used to check for signs of lung cancer but do not decrease the risk of dying from lung cancer (“Improving lung”).