Chapter 20 Study and Book Flashcards
Compare benign and malignant neoplasms, describing three differences.
Benign neoplasms are often encapsulated, grow slowly, do not spread to other sites, lack systemic effects, and have cells that are differentiated.
Malignant neoplasms are rarely encapsulated, grow more rapidly, spread by invasion or metastases, have systemic effects, and have poorly differentiated, nonfunctional, atypical cells, with large nuclei and more mitotic figures.
How does the zone of inflammation around the tumor contribute to pain?
The zone of inflammation adds to the pressure effect of the mass and tissue ischemia, and the chemical mediators irritate nerves.
Explain why metastasis can lead to multiple secondary tumors in different sites
Each cell that breaks away from the primary tumor may travel through different blood vessels and lodge at various sites, with each giving rise to a secondary tumor
Why may chemotherapy be recommended for a client when a cure is not likely?
Chemotherapy may be recommended to control the growth and spread of the tumor, reduce clinical signs such as pain, and decrease the risk of complications, such as obstruction of a passage.
Explain why severe thrombocytopenia can be life-threatening.
Thrombocytes or platelets are required for blood clotting; a deficit leads to severe hemorrhage and shock.
Explain two reasons why infection may occur with cancer.
Infection may accompany cancer because inflammation and necrosis cause inflammation and necrosis, and there is a loss of barriers to microbes. In addition, the immune response is depressed, and the pressure of the tumor decreases blood flow to area, thus decreasing defenses.
Describe two potential problems resulting from bleeding.
Chronic blood loss leads to iron deficiency anemia. Severe hemorrhage causes hypovolemic shock. Blood often causes irritation and inflammation in tissues to which it is considered foreign. Bleeding also causes specific local effects (e.g., restricts breathing if it occurs in the pleural cavity).
Describe the local effects of radiation.
Local effects of radiation include inflammation and scar tissue, vasculitis, and tissue necrosis, if extensive.
Explain why benign brain tumors are serious.
Benign and malignant tumors occupy space, increasing pressure on the brain.
Compare basal cell skin cancer and ovarian cancer by:
a. presenting signs
b. spread
c. prognosis
Basal cell carcinoma presents as an obvious, persistent, painless nodule that ulcerates centrally. It grows slowly, invading the neighboring tissue, is easily treated, and has an excellent prognosis. Ovarian cancer is asymptomatic until the mass is large or until complications develop. It spreads throughout the peritoneal cavity early in its course. Late detection and early spread result in a poor prognosis.
