the cancer bit Flashcards
What are solid cancers?
Tumors not present in large enough numbers in body fluids for detection by cytology tests; can release detectable substances. Examples include lung, liver, kidney, and breast cancer.
What are liquid cancers?
Also known as blood cancers; these are present in the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. Examples include leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
What is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S.?
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S.
What are the main risk factors for lung cancer?
Smoking (80-90%), secondhand smoke, high levels of air pollution, radon, asbestos exposure, and prolonged exposure to industrial agents.
How does lung cancer develop?
Inhalation of toxins leads to mutated epithelial cells, which increases epidermal growth factor and results in tumor formation.
What are the two main types of lung cancer?
Non-small cell lung cancer (80%) and small cell lung cancer (20%).
What are common manifestations of lung cancer?
Persistent cough, hemoptysis, dyspnea, wheezing, localized chest pain, anorexia/weight loss, and fatigue.
How is lung cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis includes history and physical exam, chest X-ray/CT scan, sputum cytology, biopsy, and PET scan.
What is the second most common cancer in American women?
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in American women after skin cancer.
What are the key risk factors for breast cancer?
Female gender, age >50, hormone therapy, family history, gene mutations (BRCA1, BRCA2, P53), early menarche, late menopause, and alcohol consumption.
How does breast cancer typically develop?
Genetic mutations can lead to tumor development in the epithelial lining of mammary ducts (ductal carcinoma) or milk-producing glands (lobular carcinoma).
What are the main manifestations of breast cancer?
Lump or thickening in the breast, abnormal mammogram, nipple discharge, nipple retraction, and peau d’orange appearance.
How is breast cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves history and physical exam, mammography, radiographic studies, and breast or lymph node biopsy.
What is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths?
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths and the third most common cancer overall.
What are the risk factors for colorectal cancer?
Male gender, African American ethnicity, age >50, family history, high red meat consumption, and irritable bowel disease.
How does colorectal cancer develop?
Multiple gene alterations and environmental interactions lead to the development of polyps, which can progress to cancer.
What are common manifestations of colorectal cancer?
Fatigue, weight loss, abdominal tenderness, palpable abdominal mass, hepatomegaly, ascites, and hematochezia.
How is colorectal cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis includes history and physical exam, fecal occult blood tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy with biopsy, and CT scan.
What is leukemia?
A class of malignancies affecting the blood, bone marrow, lymphatic system, and spleen.
What are known risk factors for leukemia?
Chemicals, previous chemotherapy, viruses, radiation, and immunologic deficiency disorders.
How does leukemia develop?
Genetic mutations lead to an accumulation of dysfunctional cells, which can obstruct blood flow and cause organ failure.
What are the classifications of leukemia?
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML), Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL), Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML), and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).
What are common manifestations of leukemia?
Anemia, thrombocytopenia, bone pain, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, weakness, fatigue, and weight loss.
How is leukemia diagnosed?
Diagnosis includes CBC with differential, bone marrow biopsy, and lymph node biopsy.
