Overview Of Cancers

Question 1

Cervical Cancer Risk factors:

Answer 1

The number one risk factor is •Human Papilloma Virus.
• Repeated STDs
• Multiple sexual partners
• Smoking and exposure to second hand smoke
• Dietary factors such as certain nutritional deficiencies: folate,
beta-carotene and vitamin C.
• Prolonged hormonal therapy
• Family history.
• Immunosuppression
• Sex at a young age and multiple pregnancies

Question 2

Cervical cancer S/S:

Answer 2

Signs/Symptoms:
• Often asymptomatic in pre-invasive cancer
• Invasive cancer classic symptoms: painless vaginal bleeding
• Other general S/S: watery, blood-tinged vaginal discharge, pelvic pain
(and it may occur with intercourse), leg pain along sciatic nerve, and
flank/back pain
• Excellent cure rate if detected early

Question 3

Cervical Cancer diagnosis:

What is the test that helps diagnose this?

What if the Pap Smear is abnormal?

Answer 3

Diagnosis:

a Pap Smear

Repeat test

Question 4

Cervical cancer treatment:

Answer 4

Treatment:
• Electrosurgical excision
• Laser
• Cryosurgery
• Radiation and chemo for late stages
• Conization- remove part of the cervix
• Hysterectomy

Question 5

Uterine Cancer: (Endometrial Cancer)Risk Factors:

Answer 5

a. Risk Factors:
• Greater than 50 years of age
• Taking estrogen therapy without progesterone
• Positive family history
• Late menopause
• No pregnancy (null parity)

Question 6

Uterine cancer S/S:

Answer 6

• Major symptoms: post-menopausal bleeding

* Other S/S: watery/bloody vaginal discharge, low back/abdominal pain, pelvic pain

Question 7

Uterine cancer

Diagnosis:

Answer 7

Diagnosis:
• CA-125 (blood test) to R/O ovarian involvement
• The most definitive diagnostic test is a D&C (dilatation & curettage) and endometrial biopsy.

Question 8

Uterine cancer

Treatment:

Answer 8

Treatment:
1) Surgery: Hysterectomy
• TAH (total abdominal hysterectomy) = uterus and cervix only! Bilateral oophorectomy (ovaries)
Bilateral salpingectomy (tubes)

• Radical Hysterectomy:
and • May remove all of the pelvic organs
• Client may have a colostomy or ileal conduit
• The greatest time for hemorrhage following this surgery is during
the first? 24 hours
• Why? Pelvic congestion of blood
• The major complication with an abdominal hysterectomy is
hemorrhage
• Major complication with vaginal hysterectomy? Think Infection!!
• Will probably have an indwelling catheter; if she doesn’t you better
make sure she does what in the next 8 hours? Void!
• Why is it so important to prevent abdominal distention after this
surgery?
We do not want tension on the suture line. It can lead to dehiscence and evisceration.

• Why do we avoid high-fowler’s position in this client?
Because high fowlers will make more blood go to the pelvis.

• May have an abdominal and perineal dressing to check.
• As this client is at risk for pneumonia, thrombophlebitis, and
constipation, what is one thing you can do to prevent all these complications?

Early ambulation
• Avoid sex and driving.
• Also avoid girdles and douches.
• Any exercise, including lifting heavy objects that will increase pelvic
congestion and should be avoided.

• Is it possible that the client could hemorrhage 10-14 days after this
surgery? Yes!

• Is a whitish vaginal discharge okay? Yes, this is normal
• Showers OR baths? Showers, baths promote ascending infections.

2) Radiation: intra-cavitary radiation to prevent vaginal recurrence
3) Chemotherapy
4) Estrogen inhibitor

Question 9

Breast Cancer Risk Factors:

Answer 9

One has a 3 fold risk increase of developing breast cancer if a first degree relative (mother, sister, and daughter) had pre-menopausal breast cancer.
• High dose radiation to thorax prior to age 20
• Period onset prior to age 12
• Menopause after age 50
• No pregnancy (null parity)
• First birth after 30 years of age