Chapter 47 Cancer, Immune System, and Skin Disorders Flashcards
Cancer
Cells reproduce for tissue growth and repair
Cell division and growth are sometimes out of control
A mass or clump of cells develops
This is a new growth of abnormal cells is called a tumor
Tumors are benign or malignant
Benign tumors
Do not spread to other body parts
Can grow to a large size, but rarely threaten life
Usually do not grow back when removed
Malignant tumors (cancer)
Invade and destroy nearby tissue
Can spread to other body parts
May be life threatening
Sometimes grow back after removal
Metastasis
Is the spread of cancer to other body parts
Cancer cells break off the tumor and can travel to body parts
Which can cause new tumors to grow in other body parts
Cancer can occur almost anywhere
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States
National cancer institute describes these risk factors
Growing older- most cancers occur in persons over 65 years old of age
Tobacco
Sunlight
Ionizing radiation
Certain chemicals and other substances
Some viruses and bacteria
Certain hormones
Family history of cancer
Alcohol
Poor diet, lack of physical activity, and being over weight
Treatment depends on:
The tumor type
Tumor site and size
If the tumor has spread
The treatment goals may be to:
Cure the cancer
Control the disease
Reduce symptoms for as long as possible
Some cancers respond to one type of treatment
While other require two or more types of
Surgery removes tumors
It is done to cure or control cancer
It relieves pain
Radiation therapy (radiotherapy)
Destroys certain tumors
Shrinks a tumor before surgery
Destroys cancer cells that remain after surgery
Controls tumor growth to prevent or relieve pain
Chemotherapy
Involves drugs that kill cells
It is used:
Shrink a tumor before surgery
Kill cells that break off the tumor
Relieve symptoms caused by the cancer
Side effects depend on the drug used
Hair loss - alopecia
Gastro-intestinal irritation
Decreased blood cell production
Hormone therapy
Prevents cancer cells from getting or using hormones needed for their growth
Drugs are given to prevent the production of certain hormones
Organ or glands that produce a certain hormone are removes
Biological therapy (immunotherapy)
Helps the immune system fight the cancer
It also protects the body from the side effects of the cancer treatment
Other therapies
Stem cell transplant
A stem cell
Is a cell from which new cell types develop
The new cells have certain functions (blood cells, brain cells, bone cells)
Some persons need high doses of chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Such therapies kills cancer cells and blood cells in the bone marrow
Fewer blood cells are produced
A persons is given blood-forming stem cells
New blood cells develop from the stem cell
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)
Used along with standard cancer treatments
Used instead of standard cancer treatments
Person with cancer have many needs
Pain relief or control
Rest and exercise
Fluids and nutrition
Preventing skin breakdown
Preventing bowel problems
Dealing with treatments side effects
Psychological and social needs
Spiritual needs
Sexual needs
The immune system
Protects the body from microbes, cancer cells, and other harmful substances
Defends against threats inside and outside the body
Immune system disorders
Occurs from problems with the immune response
-the response may be inappropriate, too strong, or lacking
Autoimmune disorder can occur
The immune system attacks the body’s own normal cells, tissues, or organs
One of the following may occur
One or more types of body tissue are destroyed
An organ grows abnormally
There is a change in how an organ functions
Common autoimmune disorders
Graves’ disease
The most common form of hyperthyroidism- is the production of too much thyroxine hormone.
Lupus
An inflammatory disease that affects the blood cells, joints, skin, kidney, lungs, heart, or brain
Multiple sclerosis
The immune system eats away at the protective covering the nerves
Rheumatoid arthritis
Chronic inflammatory disorder usually affecting small joints in the hands and feet
Type 1 diabetes
Lifelong condition where the pancreas makes little to no insulin, which leads to high blood sugar levels
Signs and symptoms depends on the type of disease
Fatigue, dizziness, not feeling well, and fever are common
Mot autoimmune disorder are chronic-long lasting
Treatment depends on the
Type of disorder
Tissue and organ affected
Treatment is aimed at
Reducing symptoms
Controlling the autoimmune response
Maintaining the body’s ability to fight disease
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
Is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
HIV
HIV attacks the immune system
HIV is spread through body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk)
HIV is transmitted mainly by
Unprotected anal, vaginal, or oral sex with an infected person
Needle and syringe sharing among IV drug users
HIV-infected mothers
HIV cannot
Live outside the body
Be spread by casual, everyday contact
Be transmitted by food prepared by the infected person
Some HIV-infected person have symptoms within few months
Others are symptom-free for more than 10 years
They could carry the virus and can spread it to others
The person with aids can develop other health problems and can damage the immune system
The person with AIDS is at risk for:
Pneumonia
Tuberculosis
Kaposi’s sarcoma ( a cancer )
Nervous system damage
Many new drugs
Help slow the spread of HIV in the body
Reduce complications
Prolong life
You may care for person with AIDS or those who are HIV carriers
Protect yourself and others
Shingles (herpes zoster)
Caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox
The virus lies dormant (inactive) in nerve tissue
The virus can become active years later
Person at risk
Are over 50 years of age
Have had chickenpox
Have weakened immune system
The doctor orders anti-viral drugs and drugs for pain relief
A vaccine is now availed to prevent shingles
Lesion
An area of abnormal tissue or injury or wound
Types of skin lesions
Macules
are the simplest skin lesion. They are flat spots that can be seen but not felt. They are visible because they change the color of the skin. Freckles are an example.
Pustules
are raised spots filled with pus, such as acne or infected boils.
Vesicles
are small blisters that contain fluid. They can occur on the skin or inside the mouth. Chickenpox is an example.
Welts
are large raised, irregular areas, that are usually itchy. Hives from an allergic reaction are an example.
Hematoma
is a collection of blood in one area. The spot can be visible as a bruise, but may also occur on internal organs. Hematomas can become larger over time. They may also change color.
Purpura
are small, purplish spots caused by bleeding under the skin. In elderly people, these spots are called senile purpura. Senile purpura occurs because blood vessels become more fragile with age.
