Oncology Flashcards
What is cancer?
- a large group of diseases (over 100 types) characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells
How is cancer confirmed?
Biopsy
How does cancer develop?
- when the body’s normal control mechanisms stop working
- old cells do not die and cells grow out of control forming new, abnormal cells
- these extra cells may form a mass of tissue, called a tumor
Kinds of cancers
- carcinomas
- leukemias
- lymphomas
- sarcomas
Carcinomas
- begin in the skin or tissues that line the internal organs
Sarcomas
- develop in the bone, cartilage, fat, muscle or other connective tissues
Leukemia
- begins in the blood and bone marrow
- most common in children
- immature WBCs in bloodstream
- diagnosed by: CBC, bone marrow biopsy
Lymphomas
- start in the immune cells (lymph nodes and tissues)
- hodgkins and non-hodgkins
- develops in nodes and glands of the lymphatic system
S/s of cancer
- change in bowel/bladder habits
- sores that don’t heal
- unusual bleeding or discharge
- lumps or thickening of breasts or other part of body
- indigestion or dysphagia
- recent changes in wart or mole
- persistent coughing or hoarseness
- unintentional weight loss *
- fever/night sweats
Difference between benign and malignant?
- benign: non cancerous
- malignant: cancerous
Hodgkins vs. non-hodgkins lymphoma
- hodgkins contains the Reed-Sternberg cell
Cancer by site: skin
- three types: basal cell, squamous cell, melanoma
- cancers derived from the epidermal layers with the same names
Cancer by site: lung
- often no symptoms until advanced stage
- non-small cell: most common (~85%)
- small-cell: quicker, higher mortality (~10-15%)
Cancer by site: female breast
- most are ducal carcinomas
- usually > age 50
- 1 in 8 women
- women with early menarche, late menopause at higher risk
- breastfeeding lowers risk
Cancer by site: prostate
- mainly in older men
- as men age, prostate may enlarge and block urethra or bladder causing difficulty in urination or sexual function (BPH)
Cancer by site: colon and rectum
- of large intestine cancers: ~70% in colon, ~30% in rectum
- third most common overall
- s/s: bloody stool, change in bowel habits
Cancer by site: uterus
- most common gynecological malignancy
- usually >40 years of age, most frequently >60
- s/s: abnormal uterine bleeding
What causes cancer?
- lifestyle
- environment
- family hx
Lifestyle risks
- smoking
- diet high in fat and low in fruits and veggies
- lack of exercise
- unprotected exposure to sun, UV rays
- obesity
Environmental risks
- secondhand smoke
- air pollution
- industrial pollution
- chemical exposures
Inherited risks
- less than 15% of cancers inherited
- gene mutations linked to some inherited cancers
- cancers linked to inherited gene mutations: colon, breast, ovarian, prostate, skin
Cancers you can be screened for
- colon
- breast
- cervical
- prostate
- testicular
- skin
Colon cancer screening guidelines
- age > 50, unless family hx
- yearly fecal occult blood
- flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
- double-contrast barium enema every 5 years
- colonoscopy every 10 years
Breast cancer screening guidelines
- yearly mammograms starting at 50
- clinical breast exam every three years from 20-50, every year at 50 and beyond
- report any breast change promptly
- family hx should start mammograms earlier plus additional tests
Cervical cancer screening guidelines
- annual pap starting at sexual activity or 18
- investigate pros and cons of HPV vaccine
Prostate cancer screening guidelines
- test PSA
- doc performs DRE, recommended yearly >50 years
Testicular cancer screening guidelines
- recommended self-exams and by doc during routine checkups
- any unusual mass should be reported to doc immediately
Skin cancer screening guidelines
- patients should perform monthly self-exams
- ABCD’s of melanoma: asymmetry, border (jagged or irregular), color, diameter (larger than 8mm)
- protect skin w hats, sleeves, sunscreen
- become familiar w moles, freckles, other abnormalities
- report changes immediately
Cancer fighting substances in foods
- antioxidants
- dietary fiber
- carotenoids
- flavonoids
Limit alcohol to no more than
- men: 2 drinks per day
- women: 1 drink per day
Normal WBC count
4.5-11
Normal platelet count
150,000-400,000
