oncology unit 1 Flashcards
oncology …
is the study, detection, diagnosis, and management of cancer.
OCN-oncology nurse
ONS-oncology nursing society (research)
ACS-amercian cancer society
carcinogenesis
process of transforming normal cells into malignant cells . (Genesis) the process by which normal cells are transformed into cancer cells.
A carcinogen is anything that causes cancer (chemical,physical) or a substance known to increase the risk of cancer.
Angiogenesis
Growth of new blood vessels that allows cancer cells to grow.
Benign
Not cancerous, unable to spread to other areas.
Biopsy
Remove a small sample of tissue to be examined microscopically to detect malignant cells
Extravasation
Leakage of medication from the vein into the subcutaneous tissue
Vesicant
Substance that causes tissue necrosis and damage
What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
Chemo destroys all cells! Including cancerous cells and good cells. By interfering with cellular functions and reproduction.
Side effects: neutropenia- abnormal neutrophil count (low platelet). Thrombocytopenia- decrease in the number of circulating platelets associated with potential bleeding. Mucositis- inflammation of GI. Stomatitis- inflammation of the oral tissue (head & neck). Myelosuppression- caused a decrease in blood cell producing in the bone marrow.
What are the 2 type of chemotherapy?
Radiation therapy- (specific area) ionizing radiation to interrupt the growth of the malignant cells.
Brachytherapy- delivery of radiation therapy through internal implants.
Characteristics of malignant cells?
Malignant cancer cells are uncontrollable growth in cancer cells. They contain a protein tumor specific antigen CEA- tumor marker doesn’t mean you have cancer (blood work). PSA- prostate specific antigen.
And the nuclei are large and irregular.
Metastasis
The spread of cancer cells from original cancer site to distant organs.
Invasive
Hyperplasia
A rapid increase of cells in tissue.
Metaplasia
Conversion of mature cells into another.
Dysplasia
Cells that are different in size.
Anaplasia
Cells that differ in characteristics, shape and organization.
Neoplasia
Uncontrolled cell growth that is cancerous.
Malignant transformation
Initiation: carcinogen alter DNA of the cell which will either cause the cell to be repaired or die.
Promotion: is the result of repeated exposure to carcinogen.
Progression: irreversible period when the cells undergo neoplastic transformation then malignancy.
Dietary substances that increases the risk of cancer?
Fats, alcohol, salt-cured or smoked meat, nitrite and red or processed meats.
Risk factors of developing cancer are?
Exposure to radiation (ultraviolet rays-skin cancer).
Exposure to environmental carcinogens (fumes from rubber or dust)
Smokeless tobacco - increases the risk of cancer in the mouth, larynx, pharynx and esophagus.
Frequent and heavy consumption of alcohol- increase the risk of cancer of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, colon, rectum and breast.
Occupation
Infectious agents
Genetic factors of developing cancer are?
5-10% display the pattern of cancer (predisposition)
Breast cancer, lung cancer, leukemia is greater in identical twins and neuroblastoma increase in siblings.
Cancer risk assessment and cancer genetic counseling.
1st- family history assessment
2nd- obtain information about both maternal and paternal side of the family.
3rd- patient assessment …physical findings that may be a predisposition are colon polyps etc.
What is cancer?
A group of diseases characterized by uncontrollable growth and spread of abnormal cells. If the spread is not controlled it will result in death. Also they are unable to recognize their own natural boundaries due to faulty gene mutation in the cancer cells.
Neoplasm
Means tumor which literally means new growth
Terms referring to abnormal cell growth which are NOT cancer include?
Hyperplasia
Metaplasia
Dysplasia
Cancer screening (tests)
Occult blood, CXR, DRE-both male and female
Female SBE, Mammography and Pap smear
Male DRE, Prostate and testicular self exam.
Primary prevention
Refers to the complete prevention of disease, often through the methods that inhibit exposure to risk factors. 4 most important are nonsmoking, exercise regime, sunscreen and a balanced diet.