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Principles of Therapy > Theme 1 - Radio Therapy Oncology > Flashcards

Theme 1 - Radio Therapy Oncology Flashcards

1
Q

Define oncology

A

The study and treatment of tumours

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2
Q

Define cancer

A

A disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body

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3
Q

Define tumour

A

Abnormal mass of cells. Tumours can be benign (non- cancerous) or malignant (cancerous)

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4
Q

What are benign tumour characteristics

A

grow locally, do not spread, not cancerous, dangerous if pressing against vital organs

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5
Q

What are malignant tumour characteristics

A

can spread and invade other tissues, key cancer feature, different types of malignancies

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6
Q

Define metastasis

A

Process whereby cancer cells break free from malignant tumour and travel to and invade other body tissues

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7
Q

Via which 2 systems can cancer cells metastasize?

A

lymphatic system and bloodstream

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8
Q

What are primary cancers?

A

cancer cells in original tumour

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9
Q

What are secondary cancers?

A

cancer cells travel from original tumour to other sites

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10
Q

What is the pathogenesis of cancer?

A

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.

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11
Q

What are the 5 factors known to damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer?

A

gene mutations, environmental, microbes, lifestyle & diet, treatment

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12
Q

Name an example of genetic mutations that can cause cancer

A

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.

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13
Q

Name 2 environmental causes of cancer

A

sunlight (through UV radiation) and air pollutants (soot, wood dust, asbestos, and arsenic)

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14
Q

Name 2 microbes that increase the risk of cancer

A

H. pylori (bacteria) -> gastric ulcers -> gastric cancer

EBV, HPV, Hepatitis B and C (viruses) linked to cancer

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15
Q

List lifestyle choices that can lead to cancer

A

Eating a poor diet, inactivity, obesity, heavy alcohol use, tobacco use, exposure to chemicals and toxins

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16
Q

How does cancer treatment cause secondary cancer?

A

Chemo, radiation, targeted treatments, immunosuppressive drugs: cause damage to healthy cells

17
Q

List 5 common cancer signs and symptoms

A 
Unintended weight loss or weight gain
Pain 
Fatigue
Skin changes (redness, sores that won’t heal, jaundice, darkening)
Fever
18
Q

List 7 more obvious signs of cancer

A 
Lumps/tumours (mass)
Difficulty swallowing 
Changes/difficulties with bowel/bladder function
Persistent cough/hoarseness 
Short of breath
Chest pain
Unexplained bleeding or discharge
19
Q

What are the 6 types of cancer?

A

Carcinoma, sarcoma, myeloma, leukaemia, lymphoma, mixed

20
Q

In which tissue do carcinomas arise?

A

epithelial tissue

21
Q

In which tissue do sarcomas arise?

A

connective tissue

22
Q

Where does myeloma cancer occur in the body?

A

plasma cells in bone marrow

23
Q

What is leukaemia?

A

Group of different blood cancers of the bone marrow, causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to enter bloodstream

24
Q

What is mixed cancer?

A

Cancers that arise from more than one type of tissue

25
Q

What is the cancer staging system?

A

TNM staging system

26
Q

What does TNM stand for and briefly explain each

A

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)

27
Q

What is stage 0 cancer?

A

Cancerous cells are confined to site of origin not spread/invading

28
Q

What is stage I cancer?

A

cancer still localised

29
Q

What is stage II cancer?

A

cancer is early locally advanced

30
Q

What is stage III cancer?

A

cancer is late locally advanced

31
Q

What is stage IV cancer?

A

cancer has spread to distant lymph nodes, tissues, organs, far away from original site

32
Q

What are the 3 main cancer treatment options?

A

surgery, radiation, chemotherapy

33
Q

What is the main difference between radical and palliative care?

A

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)

34
Q

What are the therapeutic approaches with regards to radical care?

A

Multiple treatment modalities combined in short period of time

35
Q

What are the therapeutic approaches with regards to palliative care?

A

Treatment modalities used on their own and in sequence, this reduces side-effects and ensures optimal quality of life

36
Q

What are the 6 main roles of the general practitioner in cancer therapy?

A 
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

Principles of Therapy (10 decks)

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