cancer (3) Flashcards
what is the leading cause of disease related death in children under 15?
cancer
alteration in cell growth due to external and internal stimuli?
cancer
what causes mutation in body cells in cancer?
external stimuli
what are external stimuli found in cancer?
carcinogens such as radiation exposure or chemicals
what are immune system and gene abnormalities that can casue cancer
- immune defeiciencies
- acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
- vituses
- genetic changes
what are the general symptoms of cancer?
- pain
- cachexia (anorexia, weight loss, anemia, weakness, early satiety)
- anemia
- infection
- bruising
- neurologic symptoms
- palpable mass
why is cancer not always caught right away
vague sx
what are the most common diagnostic tests for all cancers?
- CBC/differential/urinalysis
- lumbar puncture
- bone marow aspiration
- bone marrow biopsy
- biopsy of tumor
what imaging is done for cancer
MRI / CT / ultrasound or bone scan
what are specific drugs that kill both normal and cancerous cells?
chemotherapy
what is the use of biological retooling and molecular intervention to produce targeted cancer therapy
biological therapy
what uses parts of the human body that are programmed to destroy cells and applies them to cancer cells
biologic retooling
what involves interference with metabolic pathway in tumor cells
molecular targeting
what are some complementary therapies for cancer?
nutritional/herbal supplements, touch therapy, mind-body interventions
what are some long-term effects of radiation?
bone/teeth growth impaired, chronic pain, hypothyroidism (neck radiation), cardio/resp toxicity, cognitive/neuro probs
how to promote nutritional status in kids w cancer
frequent small meals, supplements, height/weight, labs, antiemetics
what is neutropenia
dec. WBC
what should be watched for in neutropenia
assess infection
what is thrombocytopenia
dec. platelets
what is important to look for in thrombocytopenia
assess bleeding
what is anemia
dec. RBC
what is important to do in anemia
blood transfusions
what are some chemo side effects
n/v, mucositis, anorexia, constipation or diarrhea, hair loss
cancer skin assessment
- assess for radiation burns
- leave the markings on the skin
- avoid lotions, powders, soap
cancer hydration assessment
- frequent small amnt fluids
- monitor I&O
- IV hydration w/ chemo meds
how to prevent/treat infection in cancer
- handwashing
- stay away from sick
- no immunizations until 6 mo after chemo
how long after chemo can immunizations be given?
6 mo.
clinical manifestations of brain tumors
Behavioral and neurological changes
Increased intracranial pressure
Headache (most common), nausea, vomiting, gait and coordination changes, dizziness, change in vision or hearing, irritability, fatigue, educational or behavioral changes.
how is a brain tumor diagnosis made
- history and physical
- CT/MRI
- myelography and angiography
clinical therapy for brain tumors
- surgery
- radiation
- chemo
complications of brain tumor surgery
- severe infection
- seizure activity
- sensorimotor disorders
- hydrocephalus
- growth problems
- diabetes insipidus
average age to acquire neuroblastoma?
17-22 months
what is the most common tumor in infants during first year of life
neuroblastoma
what is a solid tumor anywhere in the nervous system
neuroblastoma
describe palpation of neuroblastoma
dont do it, contraindicated
what is a nephroblastoma called
wilm’s tumor
what is the age for nephroblastoma (Wilm’s tumor)
5 y.o.
how quickly can a wilm’s tumor (nephroblastoma) double in size
11-13 days
clinical manifestations of wilm’s tumor (nephroblastoma)
Painless swelling or mass to one side of abdomen
Generally asymptomatic
Parent discovers during a bath or holding the child
diagnosis of wilm’s tumor (nephroblastoma)
US and CT, MRI
clinical therapy of wilm’s tumor (nephroblastoma)
- surgery to remove entire kidney
- chemo/radiation
why should palpation be avoided in wilm’s tumor (nephroblastoma)
cancer cells can spread
what is the most common tumor effecting the skeleton?
osteosarcoma
when is the peak incidence of osteosarcoma?
during rapid growth (age 13 in girls, 15-17 boys)
clinical manifestations of osteosarcoma
pain, swelling, limp
diagnosis of osteosarcoma
xray, CT, MRI
clinical therapy of osteosarcoma
chemo/surgry
what is a tomor of long bones
ewing’s sarcoma
clinical manifestations of ewing’s sarcoma
pain, swelling, fever, inc. WBC count, increased ESR, increased CRP
how is ewing’s sarcoma diagnosed
biopsy of tumor
clinical therapy of ewing’s sarcoma
chemo/surgery
what is the most commonly diagnosed pediatric malignancy under 14 y.o.
leukemia
what is cancer of the blood forming organs
leukemia
what cancer involves the proliferation of immature, abnormal white cells
leukemia
what is the most common leukemia
acute lymphoblastic leukemia
peak onset of leukemia
2-3 yrs
cause/ risk factors of leukemia
cause unknown
exposure to infectious agents, chromosome defects maybe
clinical manifestations of leukemia
Pallor
Fatigue
Fever/infection
Ecchymosis
Petechiae/Bleeding
Lethargy, malaise
Anorexia
Large joint or bone pain
Enlargement of liver or spleen
Changes in lymph nodes
diagnosis of leukemia
History, physical, CBC and differential
Bone marrow aspiration is definitive test
clinical therapy for leukemia
Radiation and chemotherapy
Maintenance therapy given for 2-3 years
Stem cell transplant for relapse
what is cancer of the lymphatic system, and is rare to acquire before 5 y.o.
hodgkins disease
clinical manifestations of hodgkins disease
Painless enlargement of lymph nodes in supraclavicular and cervical lymph nodes
Nodes are firm and non-tender
Fever, night sweats, weight loss
what is used to make a definitive diagnosis of hodgkins disease
lymph node biopsy
what kind of cells will be present upon hodgkins disease diagnosis?
reed-sternberg cells
clinical therapy of hodgkins disease
chemo/radiation
A cancer diagnosis may be delayed due to which of the following?
a) Children don’t tell parents when they are feeling ill
b) Many of the symptoms are common to typical childhood illnesses
c) Parents are afraid so they don’t call the health care provider
d) Children are generally healthy
B
Cancer may be a cause of which of the following mental health disorders? Choose all that apply.
a) Post traumatic stress disorder
b) Depression
c) Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
d) Autism spectrum disorder
A, B
Immunizations should be obtained how long after chemotherapy is completed?
a) 1 month
b) 9 months
c) 6 months
d) 12 months
C
Which tumor is the most common affecting the skeleton?
a) Wilm’s tumor
b) Osteosarcoma
c) Hodgkins disease
d) Ewings sarcoma
B
