NURS 287 Lecture Notes - Small-Cell Carcinoma, Pleural Effusion, Flail Chest

• School: University of Calgary
• Department: Nursing
• Course: NURS 287
• Professor: Rick Nilson

Document Summary

Cigarette smoking is the most important risk factor in the development of lung cancer. Smoking is responsible for approximately 80% to 90% of all lung cancers. Primary lung cancers are often categorized into two broad subtypes: non small cell lung cancer (80%) and small cell lung cancer (20%). Ct scanning is the single most effective noninvasive technique for evaluating lung cancer. Staging of non small cell lung cancer is performed according to the tnm staging system. Staging of small cell lung cancer by tnm has not been useful because the cancer is very aggressive and always considered systemic. Treatment options for lung cancer include: surgical resection is the treatment of choice in non small cell lung cancer stages. I and ii, because the disease is potentially curable with resection: radiation therapy used with the intent to cure may be moderated in the individual who is unable to tolerate surgical resection due to comorbidities.