Intro to veterinary oncology Flashcards
What is the most important thing with new mass lesions?
don’t wait to see if it grows!
tx asap! can be crucial for some cancers esp. VS metastasis
What do we look for in cytology from FNA?
cell type
inflammation VS neoplasia
cell morphology: benign vs malignant
effusions, bone marrow
What cells types are neoplastic and how does this help us?
round cells: indicidualised
mesenchymal cells: spindly/fusiform
epithelial cells: cuboid, round, polygonal close together
helps narrow down type which each have different behaviours, tx and prognosis
How do we know if the mass is benign or malignant?
benign: slow growing by expansion, not invasive, does not metastasise
malignant: grow rapidly, invade locally, tend to metastasise
What are cytological features indicating malignancy?
cellular pleomorphism (anisocytosis): diff. shapes/sizes
nuclear pleomorphism (anisokaryosis): diff. shapes of nuclei
multinucleation: fast dividing active replication
prominent/multiple nucleoli
high N:C ratio
mitotic figures (esp. if bizarre)
increased cytoplasmic basophilia
What is used to determine the tumour grade and why do we want a grade?
Histopathology!!
used to predict the behaviour of the tumour
What are the patnaik system grades?
grade 1: low grade
grade 2: intermediate grade
grade 3: high grade (high potential to metastasize)
What are the kiupel system grades?
divides MCT into low and high grade
How do we stage cancer patients?
after making diagnosis
assesses the extend of dz
assess: primary tumour, drainage lymph node, metastasis
What is the TNM system?
T= primary tumour (T1, T2, T3,..)
size, mobility, ulceration, relationship to surrounding structures
N = Node (N0 or N1)
regional node: asses size, mobility, texture, consistency
internal node: imaging
M = distant metastasis (M0 or M1)
hx and PE, imaging, sampling
What are potential concurrent illness/tumour related complications?
geriatrics
paraneoplastic effects (secretion of hormones, cytokines or enzymes)
organ damage/function
coagulation profile
presentation could be sue to paraneoplastic effects and not mass
What are factors to consider before cancer treatment?
good communication and discuss all options
asses expectations and decide goals
maintain good quality of life
patient temperament and general health status
potential adverse effects
patient/owner tolerance
finances
time commitment/logistics of tx
prognosis
What type of tumours is surgery the treatment of choice for?
many primary carcinomas, sarcomas, mast cell tumours
often in combo with radiation or chemo depending on stage
When do we consider chemotherapy/drug treatment?
disseminated disease
tumours with high metastatic potential
when surgery or radiotherapy is not possible
What types of supportive care should we consider for cancer patients?
nutrition: monitor BCS/adequate caloric intake
hydration
anticipate/prevent adverse effects
antibiotics if chemo causes neutropenia
analgesics
physiotherapy
