Cancer of the Oral Cavity and Pharynx Chapt 45

Question 1

Cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx risk factors

Answer 1

any form of tobacco, excessive use of alcohol, infection with HPV, history of previous head and neck cancer.

Question 2

oral cancer and pharynx pathophysiology

Answer 2

malignancies of the oral cavity are squamous cell carcinoma. Any area of the oropharynx can be a site of malignant growths, but the lips, the lateral aspects of the tongue, and the floor of the mouth are most commonly affected. HPV is known to be associated with the development of cervical and other forms of cancer.

Question 3

Symptoms of oral cancer (early)

Answer 3

Many oral cancers produce few or no symptoms in the early stages.

Question 4

Symptoms of oral cancer (later on)

Answer 4

Later, the most frequent symptom is a painless sore or lesion that bleeds easily and does not heal. oral cancer may also present as a red or white patch in the mouth or throat. A typical lesion in oral cancer is a painless indurated (hardened) ulcer with raised edges.

Question 5

Symptoms of progressed oral cancer

Answer 5

tenderness, difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking, coughing up blood-tinged sputum, or enlarged cervical lymph nodes

Question 6

Assessment and Diagnostic Findings of oral cancer

Answer 6

oral examination as well as an assessment of the cervical lymph nodes to detect metastases. Biopsy on suspicious lesions.

Question 7

High-risk areas in those who use snuff or smoke cigars or pipes

Answer 7

buccal mucosa and gingiva

Question 8

High-risk areas for those that smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol

Answer 8

floor of the mouth, the ventrolateral tongue, and the soft palate complex

Question 9

Medical Management of oral cancer

Answer 9

surgical resection and radiation are the standard treatment

Question 10

Nursing Management for oral cancer

Answer 10

assess pts nutritional status preop. The pt may require enteral or parenteral feedings to maintain adequate nutrition. Assess the pts ability to communicate in writing before surgery. Pen and paper are provided post-op for the pt to communicate. POSTOPERATIVELY ASSESS FOR A PATENT AIRWAY. Assess graft for viability (white may indicate arterial occlusion, and blue mottling may indicate venous congestion)