Common Solid Tumours: Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Modalities for PLAB 1
This module focuses on common solid tumours relevant to the PLAB 1 exam, covering their screening strategies, diagnostic approaches, and current treatment modalities. Understanding these aspects is crucial for demonstrating clinical knowledge and adherence to UK guidelines.
Introduction to Solid Tumours
Solid tumours are abnormal masses of tissue that typically do not contain cysts or liquid areas. They are distinct from blood cancers like leukaemia or lymphoma. Common examples include breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and melanoma. Early detection and appropriate management significantly improve patient outcomes.
Screening for Common Solid Tumours
Screening aims to detect cancer in individuals who have no symptoms. The effectiveness and availability of screening programmes vary by tumour type and population risk factors. Adherence to NICE guidelines is paramount in the UK.
| Tumour Type | Primary Screening Method | Target Population | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breast Cancer | Mammography | Women aged 50-70 | Every 3 years |
| Colorectal Cancer | Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) | Men and women aged 60-74 | Every 2 years |
| Cervical Cancer | Cervical Screening (Pap Smear) | Women aged 25-64 | Every 3 years (25-49), every 5 years (50-64) |
| Prostate Cancer | No routine screening programme (PSA testing offered selectively) | Men with increased risk factors | Individualised |
| Lung Cancer | Low-dose CT scans (for high-risk individuals) | Current/ex-smokers aged 55-74 with significant smoking history | Annual scans for a defined period |
Remember: Screening programmes are designed for asymptomatic individuals. Symptomatic patients require prompt diagnostic workup, not screening.
Diagnostic Modalities
When a solid tumour is suspected, a multi-modal diagnostic approach is employed. This typically involves a combination of imaging, laboratory tests, and tissue biopsy.
Imaging techniques play a vital role in detecting, staging, and monitoring solid tumours. Common modalities include:
- X-rays: Useful for initial assessment of bone tumours or lung masses.
- Ultrasound: Excellent for superficial lesions, breast lumps, and abdominal organs.
- CT (Computed Tomography) Scans: Provide detailed cross-sectional images, crucial for staging by assessing tumour size, invasion, and lymph node involvement.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Scans: Offer superior soft-tissue contrast, ideal for brain tumours, spinal cord lesions, and musculoskeletal imaging.
- PET (Positron Emission Tomography) Scans: Often combined with CT (PET-CT), these scans detect metabolically active cells, useful for identifying metastases and assessing treatment response.
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Treatment Modalities
Treatment strategies for solid tumours are tailored to the specific cancer type, stage, patient's overall health, and individual preferences. A multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach is standard in the UK.
To ensure a coordinated, holistic, and evidence-based treatment plan for each patient.
Key treatment modalities include:
Surgery
Often the primary treatment for localised solid tumours. Aims to remove the entire tumour with clear margins. May involve lymph node dissection.
Radiotherapy
Uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells or shrink tumours. Can be used as a primary treatment, adjuvant therapy, or for palliative care.
Chemotherapy
Uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Can be administered intravenously or orally. Often used for systemic treatment or in combination with other modalities.
Targeted Therapy
Drugs that specifically target molecules involved in cancer cell growth and survival, often with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.
Immunotherapy
Harnesses the patient's own immune system to fight cancer. This is a rapidly evolving area of treatment.
UK Guidelines and Resources
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides evidence-based guidelines for cancer diagnosis and treatment in the UK. Familiarity with these guidelines is essential for PLAB preparation.
Always refer to the latest NICE guidelines for the most up-to-date information on screening, diagnosis, and treatment pathways.
Learning Resources
Official UK guidelines from NICE covering various aspects of cancer care, including diagnosis, treatment, and screening. Essential for understanding current best practice.
A comprehensive resource providing information on different types of cancer, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments, written in an accessible manner.
Detailed information about the NHS bowel cancer screening programme, including who is invited and how the test works.
Information on the NHS breast screening programme, explaining mammography and its role in early detection.
Explains the purpose and process of cervical screening (smear tests) for the early detection of cell changes.
Information from a leading professional body on the role of various imaging techniques in cancer diagnosis and management.
Provides clear explanations of different cancer treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and newer therapies.
A leading peer-reviewed medical journal publishing high-impact research on all aspects of oncology, useful for understanding cutting-edge treatments and research.
A hypothetical video resource that would cover common cancers relevant to PLAB 1, focusing on screening, diagnosis, and treatment. (Note: Actual video link would need to be found).
Offers a range of e-learning modules on cancer, often developed in partnership with professional bodies, providing structured learning content.