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Etiology and risk factors

- The majority of lung cancers are caused by smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke.

- Smoking damages the lungs by introducing carcinogens that alter the DNA of the cells.

- The risk of lung cancer increases with the duration and intensity of smoking, and decreases with quitting smoking.

- Other risk factors for lung cancer include:

  • Exposure to radon, a radioactive gas that can accumulate in homes and buildings
  • Exposure to asbestos, a mineral fiber that can cause lung scarring and inflammation
  • Exposure to other occupational or environmental carcinogens, such as arsenic, chromium, nickel, uranium, cadmium, etc.
  • Family history or genetic predisposition to lung cancer
  • Previous radiation therapy to the chest or other organs
  • Underlying lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), tuberculosis, or pulmonary fibrosis
  • Age, as lung cancer is more common in older adults

Questions on Etiology and risk factors

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Correct. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, but exposure to radon and occupational carcinogens is also significant in the development of the disease.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Incorrect. Although these are common subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer, there are only two main categories: non-small cell and small cell.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Consumption of high-fat foods is not a primary risk factor for lung cancer.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Lung cancer primarily affects the lungs and respiratory system, and skin changes like new moles or rashes are not typical symptoms.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Correct. Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans are commonly recommended for individuals at high risk of lung cancer to detect the disease at an early stage when it may be more treatable.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Incorrect. Lung cancer is influenced by both genetic mutations and environmental factors like smoking.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Incorrect. Metastasis is not the process of early cancer development but rather the spread of cancer cells.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Incorrect. Both NSCLC and SCLC are associated with smoking, although SCLC is more strongly linked to smoking.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Incorrect. EGFR mutations are relevant in NSCLC and can impact treatment decisions.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Incorrect. Angiogenesis does not involve the surgical removal of tumors but rather the blood vessel development around them.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Incorrect. Drinking alcohol in moderation may have health implications, but it is not a primary risk factor for lung cancer.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Incorrect. Passive smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke can increase the risk of lung cancer in non-smokers.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Incorrect. Radon exposure can increase the risk of lung cancer in both smokers and non-smokers.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Incorrect. A family history of lung cancer itself is relevant to lung cancer risk.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Incorrect. Air pollution is linked to lung cancer risk, not primarily to skin cancer.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Incorrect. While staging is crucial, lung cancers are classified based on their histological type.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Incorrect. Adenocarcinoma may have different growth rates, and treatment effectiveness depends on multiple factors.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Incorrect. Small cell lung cancer has a high tendency to spread to other parts of the body.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Incorrect. Squamous cell carcinoma is not linked to the formation of fluid-filled sacs in the lungs.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Incorrect. Large cell carcinoma can metastasize to other parts of the body.

Incorrect. Skin rash is not a typical symptom of lung cancer.

Incorrect. Allergic reactions to medication may cause various symptoms but are not typically associated with these specific symptoms.

Incorrect. While radiation therapy can have side effects, chest pain is not a normal side effect of radiation for lung cancer.

Incorrect. Tachypnea is rapid breathing and is not related to coughing up blood.

Incorrect. Peripheral neuropathy is characterized by nerve-related symptoms and is not a typical cause of bone pain associated with lung cancer.

Incorrect. Colonoscopy is a procedure used to examine the colon and rectum, not the lungs.

Incorrect. An excisional biopsy involves the removal of an entire mass or lesion, and it is not typically used for lung cancer diagnosis.

Incorrect. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is used to screen for prostate cancer, not lung cancer.

Incorrect. While lung function is important in lung cancer, a PET scan does not directly assess lung function.

Correct. NPO (nothing by mouth) status for a specified period before the procedure is typically necessary to reduce the risk of aspiration during the bronchoscopy.

Correct. Surgical resection involves the removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue and is a common treatment for early-stage NSCLC.

Incorrect. Bevacizumab is a targeted therapy used in combination with chemotherapy for certain cases of NSCLC, but it is not typically used in SCLC.

Incorrect. Palliative care is a complementary approach to cancer treatment and does not replace other forms of treatment but works alongside them.

Incorrect. It is important for clients to stay hydrated during cancer treatment. Avoiding fluids is not advisable.

Incorrect. Chemotherapy-induced hair loss is a side effect of chemotherapy but is not related to pneumonitis.

Incorrect. Ignoring physical symptoms is not advisable, as early symptom recognition and management are important in cancer care.

Correct. Radiation therapy can cause both immediate side effects (such as fatigue and skin changes) and delayed side effects (such as lung inflammation).

Incorrect. A lobectomy is a therapeutic procedure, not a diagnostic one.

Incorrect. It is not advisable to shower with the chest tube in place, as moisture can affect the integrity of the dressing and tubing connections.

Incorrect. It is not advisable to shower with the chest tube in place, as moisture can affect the integrity of the dressing and tubing connections.
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