week 1 - cancer pt.4 Flashcards
What are the ABCDE’s of skin cancer?
Asymmetry
Border (uneven)
Colors (multiple colors)
Diameter (>1/4 inch)
Evolving (changing size, color, shape)
What are some risk factors of developing skin cancer?
-sun burn history
-large # of moles
-family hx of skin cancer
-indoor tanning
-immunosuppression
-light skin/ blonde + red hair/blue + green eyes
-melanoma genes (BRAF + BRCA2)
Describe Mohs Surgery?
this is a micrographic surgery used to remove skin cancer - skin is removed layer by layer and examined for cancer cells - they stop once no more cancer cells are seen
Sarcoidosis is not cancer but when getting diagnosed it can look like/ be mistaken for cancer? Describe sarcoidosis.
sarcoidosis is a collection of inflammatory cells (granulomas) that form clumps in the lungs, on the skin, lymph nodes, eyes, heart + other places
S+S of sarcoidosis depends on where the granulomas are located, but what are some general manifestations?
-general malaise
-weight loss
-painful + swollen lymph nodes
-reddish/ purple sores
-SOB, persistent cough (lungs)
-blurred vision
ETC.
True or False?
Sarcoidosis has no cure or treatment BUT it’s possible for it to go away on its own
true
Marfan Syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects connective tissue, so what does mean?
this syndrome is affecting the fibers that support and anchor your organs and other structures in the body
Marfan syndrome is another condition that can be mistaken for cancer. What parts of the body does it most commonly affect?
heart
eyes
blood vessels
skeleton
What do people with Marfan Syndrome normally look like?
Tall and thin with abnormally long arms, legs, fingers and toes
The most life threatening damage that can occur due to Marfan syndrome is if your aorta becomes affected. What preventative measures or treatment are in place specifically to prevent fatality?
-antihypertensives to keep strain on aorta low
-regular monitoring to check for damage + progression
-surgery to repair aorta
what causes Marfan Syndrome?
this is a defect in the gene that allows your body to produce the protein that gives connective tissue elasticity and strength
this can either be inherited or spontaneously developed
These are signs and symptoms of what electrolyte imbalance?
-muscle weakness
-decreased DTR’s
-polyuria
-anorexia
-N/V
-Arrhythmias
-heart block
-short QT interval
-hypertension
Tumor Lysis Syndrome is a group of metabolic disorders associated with cancer treatment. What are the 6 disorders?
-hyperuricemia
-hypo- or hyperkalemia
-hyperphosphatemia
-hypocalcemia (tetany)
-azotemia
-leukostasis
SIADH is when the body is producing TOO much vasopressin - so the patient is holding onto water causing:
-hyponatremia
-water toxicity
-weight gain
-confusion
A brain tumor located in the cerebellum, what kind of disturbances would you see?
-impaired balance, gait and coordination
-nystagmus
The most aggressive type of malignant brain tumor is a glioma, this kind of tumor originates in the ________ tissue.
brain
A brain angioma, is a collection of abnormal blood vessels, since the blood vessel walls are so thin, this patient is at risk for?
a hemorrhagic stroke
Why are anticoagulants not prescribed to patients with brain tumors, even though DVT or PE is a possible risk?
they are not prescribed due to the risk of CNS hemorrhage
What is the hallmark sign of spinal cord metastasis?
pain
why is a meningioma “the best” kind of brain tumor to get?
these tumors are slow growing and their symptoms are from compression NOT tissue invasion - sometimes the patient doesn’t even have symptoms due to how slow they grow
true or false?
patients with a cerebellar tumor have an affected gait. they tend to fall toward the side with the lesion.
TRUE
