Cancer Flashcards
define cancer
abnormal, uncontrollable cell growth beyond their usual boundaries to invade adjoining parts of the body and/or spread to other organs
how are the types named
for the organs, tissues, or type of cell that forms there
what is the most common type
carcinomas which are formed by epithelial cells which are cells that cover the inside and outside surfaces of the body (adenocarcinomas, basal cell, etc)
what is lymphoma
abnormal lymphocytes (Tcells or Bcells) build up in lymph nodes and vessels (hodgkin(have abnormal lymphocytes)) or non-hodegkins(large group of cancers that can grow from b or t cells)
what is leukemia
cancers that begin in the blood-forming tissue of the bone marrow but they are not solid (lymphocytic or myeloid)
what is melanoma
begins in melanocytes (either skin or intraocular)
what are sarcomas
cancers that form in the bone and soft tissue including muscle, fat, fibrous tissue, and lymph/blood vessels (osteosarcoma, angiosarcoma, etc)
what is multiple myeloma
cancer that begins in plasms cells (smoldering(no no symptoms) and active (symptoms))
brain and spinal cord tumors
form in CNS (gliomas)
prevalence of types and population differences
NEED
pain
due to invasion of metastatic cells and activation of pain and pressure receptors
cachexia (body wasting)
refers to an overall weight loss and generalized weakness and decreased appetite in a hypermetabolic stated
deficits in immune system
cancer cells secrete substances that suppress the immune system
bone marrow suppression
due to invasion and destruction of blood forming cells (anemia)
hair loss, sloughing off mucosal membranes
complications of radiation and chemo
risk factors
age, smoking, exposure to sun and tanning beds, overweight/obese, excessive alc, infectious disease, and exposure to carcinogens
what are carcinogens
substances that may increase your risk of developing cancer
how do carcinogens lead to gene mutations
can damage DNA directly leading to gene mutations that over time can cause a cell to become malignant
simply coming into contact with a carcinogen
does not mean you will develop cancer
factors that increase risk
longtime exposure to a carcinogen
extensive exposure
having genetic (inherited mutations)
common carcinogens
tobacco
asbestos
radon
crispy brown food
formaldehyde
pollution
UV
alc
processed meat
engine exhaust
common treatments
surgery, radiation therapy, and chemo
what is radiation
ionized radiation is applied locally/regionally
kills cells by damaging their DNA (initiate apoptosis)
what is chemo
systemic administration of anticancer treatments
cytotoxin agents that interfere with some aspect of cell division
not selective for tumor cells and certain amount of normal cell death also occurs
