FINAL EXAM - Cancer Flashcards
cancer
group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells
The four categories of Cancer
- carcinomas
- leukemias
- sarcomas
- lymphomas
Carcinomas begin in the
the body’s organs (including skin)
leukemias begin in
blood-forming tissues (e.g. bone marrow)
sarcomas begin in
connective tissue (e.g. bone, fat, muscle, or cartilage)
lymphomas begin in the
lymphatic system
The most common forms of cancer (5)
- breast
- lung
- prostate
- bronchus
- colorectal
in most cancers, except for leukemia, the cancerous cells form a
tumor
To diagnose cancer, physicians may use (4)
- CT scans
- xrays
- mammograms
- lab tests
Etiology of Cancer
the uncontrolled growth of mutated cells which can be caused by internal/external factors
Internal factors that cause cancer (4) can not be controlled!
- genetics (inherited cell mutations)
- immunological conditions
- cell mutations produced bia metabolism
- hormones
External factors that cause cancer (7)
80% of cancer cases in US
- tobacco use
- exposure to radiation (including sun exposure)
- poor nutrition
- physical inactivity
- certain infectious agents
- certain medical treatments
- exposure to carcinogens via pollution, employment ……
Cancers caused by external factors can be
prevented
What is the TNM system? Which cancers do not use this system(3)?
common method of staging cancer; T-extent of the primary tumor, N - extent of spread to the lymph nodes, M - presence of distant metastasis. Not used for : Nervous system cancers lymphomas leukemias
Extent of the primary tumor classification (4)
- TX
- T0
- Tis
- T1, T2, T3, T4
TX (tumor)
primary tumor cannot be evaluated
T0
no evidence of primary tumor
Tis
carcinoma in situ - tumor is still confined to the site it started (early cancer)
T1, T2, T3, T4 refers to
size and or extent of the primary tumor
Extent of spread to lymph nodes classification (3)
- NX
- N0
- N1, N2, N3
NX
regional lymph nodes cannot be evaluated
N0
no regional lymph node involvement
N1, N2, N3
involvement of regional lymph nodes (number of lymph nodes and/or extent of spread)
Presence of distant metastasis classification (3)
- MX
- M0
- M1
MX
distant metastasis cannot be evaluated
M0
no distant metastasis
M1
distant metastasis is present
Stage 0
cancer in situ
Stage 1, Stage II, Stage III
Higher number indicates more extensive disease; larger tumor size and/or spread of the cancer beyond the organ/site in which it first developed to nearby lymph nodes and /or organs adjacent to the location of the primary tumor
Stage IV
the cancer has spread to another organ(s)
Regular screenings are recommended because some forms of cancer do not have
early symptoms
General symptoms of cancer (5)
- unexplained weight loss of 10lbs or more
- fever
- fatigue
- pain
- skin changes (color change, itching, excessive hair growth)
Signs and symptoms that may indicate a specific form of cancer (8)
- change in bowel habits or bladder function
- sores that do not heal
- white patches inside the mouth or white spots on the tongue
- unusual bleeding or discharge
- thickening or lump in the breast or other parts of the body
- indigestion or trouble swallowing
- recent change in wart or mole or any new skin change
- nagging cough or hoarseness
Treatment of cancer may cause exacerbation of cancer symptoms and/or additional symptoms such as (8)
- cognitive difficulties
- decreased immunity
3 gastrointestinal problems - edema/lymphedema
- sleep disturbances
- hormonal imbalances
- difficulty breathing
- nervous and musculoskeletal difficulties
hormonal imbalance can lead to (2, etc.)
- menopause
2. sexual problems
Gastrointestinal problems include (3)
- appetite changes
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhea or constipation
nervous and musculoskeletal problems include
- tremors
- pain
- weakness
- decreased ROM
- hearing loss
Symptoms of cancer most often result in a decrease in (2)
- functional capacities and abilities
2. individual’s occupational participation
Reaction to cancer diagnosis, decreased Fn and/or side effect/ result of treatment can also effect an individual
psychosocially
Primary treatment options for cancer (8)
- surgery
- chemotherapy
- radiation
- targeted therapy
- biological therapy/immunotherapy
- hyperthermia
- photodynamic therapy
- hormone therapy
Palliative Care treatments (7)
- pain medication
- respiratory therapy
- audiology
- physical therapy
- nutrition and dietary recommendations
- complementary and alternative medicines
- social work
chemotherapy
the use of medicine or drugs that destroy cancer cells
radiation
the use of high-powered energy beams to damage or kill cancer cells
targeted therapy
use of drugs or other substances that directly block the growth and spread of cancerous cells
biological therapy/immunotherapy
techniques to boos the immune system’s response to cancer cells
hyperthermia
the use of high temperatures to destroy cancer cells
stem cell/bone marrow transplant
often used to replenish the body’s supply of healthy cells after/or before chemotherapy or radiation treatment
photodynamic therapy (PDT)
the use of drugs and light to destroy cancer cells
hormone therapy
removal of hormones that fuel certain kinds of cancer (prostate and breast cancer)
Client factor assessments for patients with cancer (8)
- MD Anderson Symptom inventory
- brief fatigue inventory
- beck depression inventory -II
- Allen cognitive level screen-fifth version
- ROM
- Measures of pain
- Measures of Edema
- Measures of muscle strength
occupational therapy interventions will vary depending on the clients (4)
- individuals needs and desires
- form and stage of cancer
- symptoms
- treatment already received
Interventions for cancer may include (7)
- retraining in ADLS
- environmental assessment to determine fall risk
- cognitive retraining
- developing coping strategies to address psychosocial and physical symptoms/effects
- lifestyle modification
- recommendations or support groups
- Consultation at end of life
Retraining in ADLs would focus on (3)
- environmental/task modification
- assistive technology
- suggestions to maintain satisfaction in sexual activity despite hormonal imbalances
Coping strategies(3)
- pain/edema management
- sleep regulation techniques
- energy conservation techniques to minimize fatigue when performing activities
energy conservation techniques include (3)
- relaxation techniques
- meaningful participation in exercise
- time management skills to balance appointments and necessary activities with leisure, play, and social participation
Lifestyle modifications
identify new or alternate occupations that allow client to participate satisfactorily; may include employment
Consulation at the end of life regards strategies for (2)
- maintaining productivity
- finding closure in life and personal relationships
and so forth….
the most commonly used interventions for clients with cancer address
occupational domains of leisure and productive occupations (IADL/Work…) and involve energy conservation and goal setting.
Breast cancer recovery program was shown to safely decrease _____ while _______
lymphedema while improving participant quality of life and mood
Clients with cancer have reported that the (2) associated with cancer impact their (2)
- fatigues
- psychological stress
- lives
- ability to maintain life roles
hyperplasia
increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue that appear normal under a microscope; can be part of inflammatory process, not necessarily cancer
dysplasia
cells look abnormal under a microscope; extra build up of cells that look disorganized. Tends to become cancer cells
benign tumors
do not spread into or invade nearby tissues; less risk.
malignant tumors
spread into or invade nearby tissues
How does cancer metastasize?
cancer cells break away from primary tumor, travel through the blood or lymph system and form new tumors in other areas.
debulking
when tumor is wrapped around vital organs; surgery is done to remove some of the tumor for pain relief.
Increase quality of life not quantity
palliation
cancer surgery to help relieve pain and restore physical fn. Increase quality of life not quantity
Chemotherapy increases the risk for
infection
neutropenic precautions
used to prevent infection in someone with low neutrophil count.
client is protected from others and the environment through negative pressure room. Only clean air enters the room. and the client wears a face mask.
Goal of chemotherapy
get rid of all of the cancer and keep it from coming back
goal of palliative chemotherapy
delay cancer growth to increase the quality of life
purpose of neoadjuvant chemotherapy
help shrink the size of a tumor prior to surgical excision
Chemotherapy impact on body structures and functions (14)
- anemia
- appetite loss
- attention, thinking or memory problems (Chemo brain)
- difficulty swallowing or dysphagia
- dry mouth or xerostomia
- fatigue
- fluid in the abdomen - ascites
- hair loss - alopecia
- lymphedema
- menopausal symptoms in women
- mouth sores - mucositis
- nausea and vomiting
- neutropenia
- peripheral neuropathy
chemobrain
side effect of chemotherapy that can have a life long effect, later in life needs to be considered, is it residual chemobrain or is it dementia
Two things that can cause xerostomia
location of tumor
medication side effect
Ascites
fluid in the abdomen that causes pressure on the organs
Menopausal symptoms can be caused because of (2)
the chemotherapy
reproductive organ removal
brachytherapy
internal radiation therapy ; placed in the body near the cancer cells
systemic radiation therapy
radioactive substances (iodine) travels in the blood to kill cancer cells
free radicals
charged particles within the cells that damage the dna; caused by radiation
Radiation therapy impact on body structures and functions ( 12 )
- fatigue
- nausea with or without vomiting
- fibrosis (scar tissue)
- limited movement due to scar tissue
- damage to bowels
- diarrhea
- intestinal bleeding
- memory loss
- infertility
- second cancer from radiation exposure (Rare)
- skin slough (due to sunburn effect)
- pain
