Theme 1 - Radio Therapy Oncology Flashcards
Define oncology
The study and treatment of tumours
Define cancer
A disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body
Define tumour
Abnormal mass of cells. Tumours can be benign (non- cancerous) or malignant (cancerous)
What are benign tumour characteristics
grow locally, do not spread, not cancerous, dangerous if pressing against vital organs
What are malignant tumour characteristics
can spread and invade other tissues, key cancer feature, different types of malignancies
Define metastasis
Process whereby cancer cells break free from malignant tumour and travel to and invade other body tissues
Via which 2 systems can cancer cells metastasize?
lymphatic system and bloodstream
What are primary cancers?
cancer cells in original tumour
What are secondary cancers?
cancer cells travel from original tumour to other sites
What is the pathogenesis of cancer?
Certain genes control cell life cycle (growth, function, division and death). When these genes are damaged, the balance between normal cell growth and death is lost. Cancer cells are caused by DNA damage and out-of-control cell growth.
What are the 5 factors known to damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer?
gene mutations, environmental, microbes, lifestyle & diet, treatment
Name an example of genetic mutations that can cause cancer
Mutations of genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 (linked to increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers) can inhibit the body’s ability to safe-guard and repair DNA. Copies of these mutated genes can be passed on genetically.
Name 2 environmental causes of cancer
sunlight (through UV radiation) and air pollutants (soot, wood dust, asbestos, and arsenic)
Name 2 microbes that increase the risk of cancer
H. pylori (bacteria) -> gastric ulcers -> gastric cancer
EBV, HPV, Hepatitis B and C (viruses) linked to cancer
List lifestyle choices that can lead to cancer
Eating a poor diet, inactivity, obesity, heavy alcohol use, tobacco use, exposure to chemicals and toxins
How does cancer treatment cause secondary cancer?
Chemo, radiation, targeted treatments, immunosuppressive drugs: cause damage to healthy cells
List 5 common cancer signs and symptoms
Unintended weight loss or weight gain Pain Fatigue Skin changes (redness, sores that won’t heal, jaundice, darkening) Fever
List 7 more obvious signs of cancer
Lumps/tumours (mass) Difficulty swallowing Changes/difficulties with bowel/bladder function Persistent cough/hoarseness Short of breath Chest pain Unexplained bleeding or discharge
What are the 6 types of cancer?
Carcinoma, sarcoma, myeloma, leukaemia, lymphoma, mixed
In which tissue do carcinomas arise?
epithelial tissue
In which tissue do sarcomas arise?
connective tissue
Where does myeloma cancer occur in the body?
plasma cells in bone marrow
What is leukaemia?
Group of different blood cancers of the bone marrow, causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to enter bloodstream
What is mixed cancer?
Cancers that arise from more than one type of tissue
What is the cancer staging system?
TNM staging system
What does TNM stand for and briefly explain each
T - tumour: primary tumour size/extent
N - nodes: spread of cancer to lymph nodes ( in area of primary tumour)
M - metastasis: spread of cancer to distant sites (away from primary tumour)
What is stage 0 cancer?
Cancerous cells are confined to site of origin not spread/invading
What is stage I cancer?
cancer still localised
What is stage II cancer?
cancer is early locally advanced
What is stage III cancer?
cancer is late locally advanced
What is stage IV cancer?
cancer has spread to distant lymph nodes, tissues, organs, far away from original site
What are the 3 main cancer treatment options?
surgery, radiation, chemotherapy
What is the main difference between radical and palliative care?
Radical care aims to permanently rid patient of cancer, palliative care aims to alleviate symptoms caused by cancer and improve quality of life (no cure)
What are the therapeutic approaches with regards to radical care?
Multiple treatment modalities combined in short period of time
What are the therapeutic approaches with regards to palliative care?
Treatment modalities used on their own and in sequence, this reduces side-effects and ensures optimal quality of life
What are the 6 main roles of the general practitioner in cancer therapy?
Screening and diagnosis Support at diagnosis & during treatment + end of life issues Treat related side-effects Identify Oncological Emergencies Post-treatment Follow-up Genetic Services
