Care of Patients w/ Specific Cancers Flashcards
How to identify skin cancer
skin self-exams monthly
ABCDE rule for skin cancer
- asymmetry
- border irregularity
- color changes
- diameter >6mm
- evolving in appearance
risk factors for skin cancer
- fair skin type (blond or red hair; blue or green eyes)
- chronic sun exposure (leading cause)
- indoor tanning booths
- family Hx
- exposure to tar or arsenic
- living close to equator, outdoor occupations, or frequent outdoor activities
explain skin cancer w/ darker skin
- less susceptible (more melanin serves as sunscreen)
- can still get skin cancer (most often palms of hands, soles of feet, and mucous membranes)
most common form of skin cancer
non-melanomas
characteristics of non-menalomas
- develop in epidermis and not melanocytes
- develop in sun exposed areas (face, neck, hands, arms)
precancerous lesions on skin that may go away w/ reduced sun exposure
actinic keratosis
most common and least deadly for of skin cancer (rare metastasize beyond skin)
basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
what do basal cell carcinomas look like
enlarging papule w/ pearly border, erosion, or ulcer
what does actinic keratosis look like
flat or elevated scaly papule
less common and highly aggressive form of skin cancer (potential for metastasis and death if not treated)
squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
what does squamous cell carcinoma look like
scaly erythematous plaque, nodules, lesions, or ulcerations
what can lead to SCC around the mouth and lips
pipes, cigars, and cigarette smoking
describe malignant melanoma
- occur anywhere on skin (cutaneous melanoma) -> lesions often dark brown or black
- can also occur in eyes, GI tract, mucous membranes, or lymph nodes
- can metastasize to any organ
epidemiology of malignant melanoma
- incidence and death much higher among caucasians
- genetic predisposition plus all other risk factors
most common sites for malignant melanoma
- males: back and chest
- females: back and legs
collaborative care for skin cancer
- biopsy (shows type and depth)
- treatment depends on site of tumor, stage of cancer, and patient’s age and health
- surgical excision
- chemo, biological, radiation therapy (if spread)
describe laryngeal cancer
- occurs in the larynx
- most commonly squamous cell in origin
- more common in males 55-70
risk factors for laryngeal cancer
- prolonged use of alcohol and tobacco (most common)
- vocal straining
- chronic laryngitis
- family Hx
- industrial exposure to carcinogens
- nutritional deficiencies
- HPV (common in men under 50)
clinical manifestations of laryngeal cancer
- earliest sign -> hoarseness or change in vocal quality lasting > 2 weeks
- color changes of mouth/tongue
- sore throat, neck pain radiating to ear
- hemoptysis
- swelling or lump in neck
late signs of laryngeal cancer
- dysphagia
- dyspnea
- weight loss
diagnostic tests for laryngeal cancer
- indirect laryngoscopy
- biopsy
- CT/MRI
- PET scan (check for metastasis)
collaborative care for laryngeal cancer
- chemo/radiation
- hemilaryngectomy
- supraglottic laryngectomy
- supracricoid laryngectomy
- total laryngectomy (will need permanent tracheostomy)
- radical or modified neck dissection (if lymphatic spread): all tissues removed and will need reconstruction
post op care after total laryngectomy
- airway assessment and maintaining airway
- tracheostomy care and suctioning (secretion may be blood-tinged at first)
- tube (enteral) feedings
- alternative communication methods