FINALS: Palliative Care Flashcards
A group of diseases characterized by abnormal cells that grow uncontrollably, invade nearby tissues, and may metastasize to other parts of the body.
Cancer
How do malignant tumors differ from benign tumors?
Malignant tumors invade nearby tissues and may spread to other parts of the body, while benign tumors do not invade and rarely grow back after removal.
What are the three major categories of external agents that can cause cancer?
Physical carcinogens (e.g., UV and ionizing radiation)
Chemical carcinogens (e.g., tobacco smoke, asbestos, arsenic)
Biological carcinogens (e.g., HPV, hepatitis viruses)
What are common non-modifiable risk factors for cancer?
Age
Gender
Ethnicity
Family history of cancer
Congenital immunodeficiencies
What are modifiable risk factors for cancer?
Smoking
Sedentary lifestyle
Alcohol consumption
Chronic exposure to UV rays
STDs/HIV
What is carcinoma, and which organs does it affect?
Cancer that begins in epithelial tissues, commonly affecting the skin, breast, lungs, stomach, and large intestine.
What are the key features of sarcoma?
Cancer that originates in connective or supportive tissues like bone, cartilage, muscle, or blood vessels.
How does leukemia differ from other cancers?
Leukemia affects blood-forming tissues, leading to an overproduction of abnormal white blood cells that don’t function properly.
What are common imaging methods used to diagnose cancer
CT Scan
MRI
PET Scan
Ultrasound
X-ray
What is lymphoma?
Cancer of the lymphatic system, arising from immature lymphocytes that cannot fight infections effectively.
Cancer of the lymphatic system, arising from immature lymphocytes that cannot fight infections effectively.
Cancer has spread from its original location to other body organs (secondary or metastatic cancer).
What are key considerations for physical therapy examination in cancer patients?
Evaluate fatigue levels and functional capacity.
Assess pain and monitor for red flags like unexplained swelling or weakness.
Monitor vital signs during treatment due to potential cardiovascular impacts of cancer therapy.
What is the role of physical therapists in palliative care?
Manage pain and improve comfort.
Maintain functional mobility as long as possible.
Provide emotional and psychological support.
Why is understanding cancer staging important in physical therapy?
It guides therapy goals, intensity, and precautions, especially in metastatic cases or post-surgical rehabilitation.
What are common rehabilitation goals for patients with cancer, kidney failure, and geriatric care?
Improve mobility and functional independence.
Manage pain and fatigue.
Enhance quality of life.
Why are outcome measurement tools important?
They help objectively assess progress, tailor interventions, and align therapy with patient goals.
What are examples of tools to evaluate cancer patients in physical therapy?
Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT)
6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)
Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)
What is the focus of physical therapy in end-of-life care?
Enhance quality of life through gentle mobility and relaxation techniques.
Support patients and families in achieving goals of care with dignity.
How does rehabilitation overlap for cancer, kidney failure, and geriatrics?
All focus on tailored, patient-centered care, addressing comorbidities, and functional improvements.
Q: What is the purpose of primary cancer treatment?
A: To completely remove or kill all cancer cells present in the body. Common methods include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
What are the primary goals of cancer treatment?
To cure the cancer, shrink it, prevent its spread, and promote a typical life span with minimal symptoms.
Q: Define adjuvant therapy in cancer treatment.
A: A therapy used after the primary treatment to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Examples include chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy.
Q: What is neoadjuvant therapy?
A: Treatment given before the primary treatment to make it easier or more effective, such as shrinking a tumor before surgery.
Q: List some advanced cancer therapies and their mechanisms.
Biomarker Testing: Identifies tumor markers for targeted treatment.
Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system to fight cancer.
Photodynamic Therapy: Uses light-activated drugs to kill cancer cells.
Hyperthermia: Heats tissue to kill cancer cells.
Targeted Therapy: Targets specific changes in cancer cells that promote growth.
