Cancer (ch 40) Flashcards
Question 1 of 8
Tammy and Harold are a married couple in their forties. Recently, Tammy’s mother passed away at age 65 from breast cancer. This event has caused the couple to reflect upon their family health histories. They have scheduled an appointment with you to discuss their concerns.
Tammy begins the appointment by expressing her worry about getting cancer, as “a lot of female cancer” is in her family. She wants to know if tests can be done to diagnose cancers affecting women. You inform Tammy that some cancers are associated with markers that can be evaluated in the blood or a genetic analysis can be completed. Which of the following can be used to monitor or assess the risk for cancers for which Tammy may be concerned? Select all that apply. CA-125 PSA AFP BRCA-1 BRCA-2
CA-125
BRCA-1
BRCA-2
CA-125 is a tumor marker that elevates in certain forms of cancer, including ovarian cancer. CA-125 levels can be used to monitor treatment progress in ovarian cancers. Specific mutations in the BRCA-1 (breast cancer type 1) and BRCA-2 genes have been associated with forms of breast and ovarian cancers. PSA is a marker for prostate cancer, whereas AFP is used to assess liver cancer.
Question 2 of 8
You ask Tammy about additional cancer cases in her family history. She states that a cousin was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Tammy does not know many of the details of her cousin’s disease, but she is interested in learning more about cervical cancer. Which of the following statements are correct regarding cervical cancer? Select all that apply.
HPV (human papillomavirus) is a primary cause of cervical cancer.
In the early stages, cervical cancer produces pronounced symptoms, such as increased vaginal bleeding.
A vaccine for HPV is used to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
Those with few or no sexual partners are most at risk for developing cervical cancer.
A Pap test can be a useful initial test to screen for abnormal cells of the cervix.
HPV (human papillomavirus) is a primary cause of cervical cancer.
A vaccine for HPV is used to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
A Pap test can be a useful initial test to screen for abnormal cells of the cervix.
Cervical cancer has been associated with certain strains of HPV. A vaccine against HPV has been developed to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer. Initially, cervical cancer may cause no symptoms. Individuals with a greater number of sexual partners are more at risk for cervical cancer, as increased number of partners increases one’s exposure to HPV. A Pap test can be a useful initial screening test for cervical cancer, as cervical cells are examined.
Question 3 of 8
Tammy also reports that her mother, before she passed away from breast cancer, had a lump in her throat removed because it was cancerous. Her mother had been displaying signs of weight loss and tremors during this time. Tammy reports that her mother had to take “some medication” after the surgery. Which for the following statements about Tammy’s mother’s condition are likely true? Select all that apply.
Tammy’s mother likely had thyroid cancer.
Radioiodine scanning may have been used to diagnose her condition.
Her mother’s cancer likely indicates Tammy is at a lower risk for this type of cancer.
The medication Tammy’s mother took post-surgery was likely thyroid hormone replacement.
Being female placed Tammy’s mother at an increased risk for thyroid cancer.
Tammy’s mother likely had thyroid cancer.
Radioiodine scanning may have been used to diagnose her condition.
The medication Tammy’s mother took post-surgery was likely thyroid hormone replacement.
Being female placed Tammy’s mother at an increased risk for thyroid cancer.
Given the symptoms, Tammy’s mother likely had thyroid cancer. The cancerous nodule appeared as a “lump” in the throat area. Radioiodine scanning can help diagnose thyroid conditions, as the thyroid gland is the primary tissue that utilizes iodine. If Tammy’s mother had her thyroid gland removed due to the tumor, thyroid hormone replacement medication would have been prescribed. Thyroid cancer is more frequent in females, and family history of thyroid cancer increases the risk of developing the disease.
Question 4 of 8
Harold is specifically worried about prostate and colon cancer. He reports that almost every man in his family eventually ends up with prostate cancer. What marker is associated with prostate cancer? AFP MART-1 PSA CA-125
PSA
PSA, which stands for prostate specific antigen, is considered a tumor marker for prostate cancer. PSA levels are quite variable among individuals. Thus, other diagnostic tools must be used along with PSA when evaluating prostate cancer. AFP is associated with liver cancer, CA-125 with ovarian cancer, and MART-1 with melanoma.
Question 5 of 8
As Harold is concerned about prostate cancer. What are some signs and symptoms you suggest that Harold should be aware of? Select all that apply.
Trouble urinating Discoloration of urine Burning, severe pain with urination Erectile dysfunction Decreased force of urine stream
Trouble urinating
Erectile dysfunction
Decreased force of urine stream
Because of the proximity of the prostate gland to the urethra and bladder, changes in the prostate can affect urination. An individual may have difficulty beginning urination and the urine stream may be “dribbling” in nature. Because the prostate plays a role in the sexual response, erectile dysfunction may manifest with prostate cancer. Discoloration of the urine and burning, severe pain with urination normally do not occur with prostate cancer.
Question 6 of 8
Harold is also concerned about colorectal cancer. Which of the following signs and symptoms should you discuss with Harold in relation to colorectal cancer? Select all that apply.
The onset of colorectal cancer is rapid and swift.
Severe pain in the right upper quadrant is common in colorectal cancer.
Black, tarry stools may be present.
Colon cancer may be asymptomatic.
Changes in bowel habits can be a key sign of colorectal cancer.
Black, tarry stools may be present.
Colon cancer may be asymptomatic.
Changes in bowel habits can be a key sign of colorectal cancer
The onset of colorectal cancer is usually not rapid, and the disease may be present with no symptoms. Screening tests, when done at the recommended time, can often detect colorectal cancer in the early states. Colorectal cancer may present with very few signs or symptoms. Severe pain is not a normal initial symptom. Often, the signs of colorectal cancer include black, tarry stools due to melena and changes in bowel habits.
Question 7 of 8
Harold asks about tests that can detect colorectal cancer. Which of the following do you discuss? Select all that apply. FOBT PSA Colonoscopy CT colonography Colon biopsy
FOBT
Colonoscopy
CT colonography
Colon biopsy
PSA is associated with prostate cancer, not colorectal cancer. Presence of blood can be detected by FOBT, fecal occult blood test. FOBT can be positive in colorectal cancer. Colonoscopy and CT colonography, known as virtual colonoscopy, are means of viewing the colon to detect any cancerous changes. A colon biopsy can confirm cellular changes related to cancer.
Question 8 of 8
The appointment ends with discussions about risk factors and the prevention of cancer development. Both Tammy and Harold want to make lifestyle choices that support their health and lower cancer risk factors. Which factor should you note is most significant for the development of cancer? Poor diet Lack of exercise Age Gender
Age
Although lifestyle choices and environmental conditions play a substantial role in one’s risk for cancer, age remains the most significant factor. Two-thirds of all cancers occur in those older than age 65. Certainly, lifestyle choices such as adequate nutrition and exercise and refraining from smoking can help reduce one’s risk for cancer.
Question 1 of 5
Which immune cells destroy abnormal looking cells, including cancer cells?
Natural killer cells
Neutrophils
Monocytes
B cells
Natural killer cells
Question 2 of 5
Cancer staging involves which of the following features? Select all that apply.
Node involvement Metastasis Tumor size Gender Age
Node involvement
Metastasis
Age
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following is a tumor suppressor gene?
G0
TP53
HPV
x52
TP53
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following viruses has been associated with cancer?
Rotavirus
HPV
Measles
Rhinovirus
HPV
Question 5 of 5
Weight loss combined with decreased body fat and loss of appetite that is experienced by some cancer patients is known as __________________.
detoxification
paraneoplastic syndrome
oncogenesis
cachexia
cachexia
