Cancer Flashcards
CANCER
any malignant growth or tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division
protooncogenes
genes whose normal protein products stimulate the cell cycle
Oncogenes
cancer causing genes
promotion
the second stage of cancer development, is characterized by the reversible proliferation of the altered cells
Progression
the last stage in the natural history of a cancer.
The spread of cancer cells beyond their original site
metastasis
tumor angiogenesis
the process of the formation of blood vessels within the tumor itself
Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs)
the altered cell surface antigens found on cancer cells.
immunologic surveillance
The immune systems response to TAAs
Cytotoxic T cells
A type of lymphocyte that kills infected body cells and cancer cells
natural killer cells (NK cells)
play an important role in the killing of cancer cells and cells infected by viruses
immunologic escape
The process by which cancer cells evade the immune system
benign
mild, not cancerous
anatomic classification
Identified by the tissue of origin, the anatomic site, and the behavior of the tumor
Epithelial Tissue Tumors
Benign: -oma Malignant: -carcinoma
Connective Tissue Tumors
Benign: -oma Malignant: -sarcoma
Nervous Tissue Tumors
Benign: -oma Malignant: -oma
Hematopoietic Tissue Tumors Malignant: -oma and -emia histologic grading a categorization of tumors in which the appearance of cells and the degree of differentiation are evaluated pathologically 14
histologic grading
a categorization of tumors in which the appearance of cells and the degree of differentiation are evaluated pathologically
Staging
the process of classifying tumors with respect to how far the disease has progressed, the potential for its responding to therapy, and the patient’s prognosis
biopsy
the removal of living tissue from the body for diagnostic examination
chemotherapy
The use of drugs to treat diseases such as cancer
Vesicants
Drugs capable of causing pain, inflammation and blistering of skin, underlying flesh and structures leading to tissue death & necrosis
Intraarterial Chemotherapy
Delivers drug to tumor via arteries supplying tumor
Intraperitoneal chemotherapy
Delivers drug to peritoneal cavity for treatment of peritoneal metastasis
- Short-term therapy calls for Silastic catheters placed percutaneously or surgically
- Implanted port is used for longer-term therapy
- Drug is infused into peritoneum in 1-2 L fluid and dwells there for 1-4 hrs, after which peritoneum is drained
intrathecal chemotherapy
delivery of chemotherapy drugs into the subarachnoid space by lumbar puncture
intravesical chemotherapy
chemotherapy or chemotherapeutic immune-stimulating agents can be delivered directly into the bladder by a urethral catheter; instilled into patient’s bladder and retained for about 2 hours; bladder must be empty; change patient’s position every 15 minutes for maximum contact in all areas of bladder
radiation therapy
intravesical chemotherapy
chemotherapy or chemotherapeutic immune-stimulating agents can be delivered directly into the bladder by a urethral catheter; instilled into patient’s bladder and retained for about 2 hours; bladder must be empty; change patient’s position every 15 minutes for maximum contact in all areas of bladder
radiation therapy
treatment of neoplastic disease using ionizing radiation to impede the proliferation of malignant cells
external radiation therapy
- Specific area on the body is marked to indicated the port at which it will be directed
- Instruct the patient to avoid using any ointments, lotions, or powder on the area.
- Protect the radiated area from direct sunlight and to avoid applications of heat or cold because these would increase erythema, drying, and pruritus of the skin, which is common over an irradiated area
- Encourage a diet high in protein and calories and a fluid intake of 2 or 3L/day. Feeling of lethargy and fatigue are common during treatment, and that frequent rest periods are helpful
brachytherapy
the use of radioactive materials in contact with or implanted into the tissues to be treated
Thrombocytopenia
a condition in which there is an abnormally small number of platelets circulating in the blood
myelosuppression
suppression of the blood cell-producing function of the bone marrow
Neutropenia
myelosuppression
suppression of the blood cell-producing function of the bone marrow
Neutropenia
a decreased number of neutrophils
Anemia
A condition in which the blood is deficient in red blood cells, in hemoglobin, or in total volume.
stomatitis
inflammation of the mucosa of the mouth
Leukopenia
low WBC count
alopecia
hair loss
Chemo brain
- Intellectual decline
- Decreased attention
- Decreased memory
- Decreased processing
- Poor executive function (organization)
- Decreased motor performance
immunotherapy
a disease treatment that involves either stimulating or repressing the immune response
targeted therapy
a developing form of anti-cancer drug therapy that uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells without harming normal cells
hormone therapy
treatment of cancer with natural hormones or with chemicals that produce hormone-like effects
hematopoietic stem cells
bone marrow
Oncologic Emergencies
can result from the cancer or cancer treatment. They are classified as obstructive, metabolic, or infiltrative. These commonly include superior vena cava syndrome, spinal cord compression, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, hypercalcemia, tumor lysis syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, and cardiac tamponade
