Oncology Nursing – Flashcards
107 test answers
Unlock all answers in this set
Unlock answers 107question
cancer development; also called carcinogenesis
answer
Oncogenisis
Unlock the answer
question
substances that change the activity of a cell's genes so that the cell becomes a cancer cell. May be chemicals, physical agents, or viruses
answer
Carcinogen
Unlock the answer
question
COMMON CARCINOGENS
answer
Alcohol Steroids Arsenic Asbestos Benzene Chemotherapy drugs Diesel exhaust formaldehyde
Unlock the answer
question
new cell growth not needed for normal body growth
answer
Neoplasm
Unlock the answer
question
new, nonmalignant cell growth not needed for normal body growth
answer
Benign neoplasm
Unlock the answer
question
cancerous, new growth of cells by invasion that is not needed for normal growth and development
answer
Malignant neoplasm
Unlock the answer
question
a tumor formed in a specific tissue as a result of a carcinogenic agent or event
answer
Primary tumor
Unlock the answer
question
a tumor formed as a result of breaking off from a primary tumor and spreading to distant sites (metastisis)
answer
Secondary tumor
Unlock the answer
question
cell division by exact duplication -Most tissues and organs stop growing by cell division after development is complete
answer
Mitosis
Unlock the answer
question
growth that causes tissue to increase in size by enlarging each cell-normal cells
answer
Hypertrophy
Unlock the answer
question
growth that causes tissue to increase in size by increasing the number of cells- cancer
answer
Hyperplasia
Unlock the answer
question
the amount of time it takes for a tumor to double in size by mitotic cell divisions
answer
Doubling time
Unlock the answer
question
the low white blood cell counts that occur after cancer chemotherapy- usually 7 to 10 days after administration
answer
Nadir
Unlock the answer
question
chemicals that can cause tissue damage on direct contact
answer
Vesicant
Unlock the answer
question
the period of time necessary for one cell to enter and complete one round of cell division by mitosis
answer
Generation time
Unlock the answer
question
Characteristics of normal cells
answer
-Limited cell division 1. to develop normal tissue 2. to replace lost or damaged normal tissue
Unlock the answer
question
to ensure that each organ has adequate number of cells at their functional peak
answer
Apoptosis
Unlock the answer
question
specific appearance, size, shape
answer
Show specific morphology
Unlock the answer
question
Characteristics- continued
answer
-Small nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio- size of nucleus is small -Perform specific differentiated functions -Adhere tightly together -Are nonmigratory -Grow in an orderly and well-regulated manner
Unlock the answer
question
Characteristics- continued
answer
-Contact inhibited- each cell divides only when some of its surface is not in direct contact with another cell -Euploid- having 23 pairs of chromosomes
Unlock the answer
question
Characteristics of abnormal cell growth -Benign tumor cells
answer
-Have inappropriate or continuous cell growth -Show specific morphology- of parent cells -Have a small nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio -Perform specific differentiated functions -Adhere tightly together- encapsulated -Are nonmigratory -Grow in a orderly manner -Are euploid
Unlock the answer
question
Cancer cells
answer
-Have rapid or continuous cell division -Do not respond to signals for apoptosis- unlimited life span—"immortal" -Show anaplastic morphology- as cancer cells become more malignant, they become smaller and rounded -Have a large nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio
Unlock the answer
question
Cancer cells 'cont.
answer
-Lose some or all differentiated functions -Adhere loosely together -Are able to migrate -Grow by invasion -Are not contact inhibited -Are aneuploid- more than or less than 23 pairs of chromosomes
Unlock the answer
question
Key concepts related to cancer development
answer
-Neopalstic cells originate from normal body cells -Transformation of a normal cell into a cancer cell involves mutation of the DNA of the normal cell -Early embryonic genes that are overexpressed can cause a cell to develop into a tumor -Only one cell has to undergo malignant transformation for cancer to begin
Unlock the answer
question
Key concepts related to cancer 'cont.
answer
-Benign tumors grow by expansion, whereas malignant tumors grow by invasion -Most tumors arise from cells that are capable of cell division -A key feature of cancer cells is "infinite" life span of loss of apoptosis
Unlock the answer
question
Key concepts related to cancer 'cont.
answer
-Primary prevention involves avoiding exposure to known causes of cancer -Secondary prevention involves screening for early detection -Tobacco use is a causative factor in 30% of all malignant neoplasms -Tumors that metastasize from the primary site into another organ are still designated as tumors of the originating tissue
Unlock the answer
question
Carcinogenesis: Initiation
answer
-Proto-oncogenes- specific early embryonic genes that controlled or regulated early rapid growth; remain as normal cellular genes, but have limited function after early embryonic life- usually "turned off" -Initiation involves these proto-oncogenes being turned back on
Unlock the answer
question
Carcinogenesis: Initiation 'cont.
answer
-Carcinogens can penetrate a cell, change the DNA, and turn the genes off or on- inflicts mutations at specific sites on the cell's DNA -A cancer cell must be able to divide to become a threat
Unlock the answer
question
Carcinogenesis: Promotion
answer
-Enhancement of growth -Latency period- the time between a cell's initiation and the development of a tumor -Latency may range from months to years -Promoters may be hormones, drugs, or chemicals
Unlock the answer
question
Carcinogenesis: Progression
answer
-The tumor must develop its own blood supply -Tumor angiogenesis factor(triggers blood vessel growth)
Unlock the answer
question
Carcinogenesis: Metastasis
answer
-Cells break off and establish their own colonies 1. extension into surrounding tissues 2. blood vessel penetration 3. release of tumor cells 4. invasion -Local seeding- shedding of cancer cells in the local area of the primary tumor -Bloodborne metastasis -Lymphatic spread
Unlock the answer
question
Common sites of metastasis
answer
-Breast- bone, lung, liver, brain -Prostate- bone, pelvic nodes -Lung- brain, bone, liver, lymph nodes -Colorectal- liver, lymph nodes -Melanoma- GI, Lymph, lung, brain
Unlock the answer
question
Classification of tumors by tissue type: Adeno
answer
from epithelial glands
Unlock the answer
question
Classification of tumors by tissue type: Chondro
answer
from cartilage
Unlock the answer
question
Classification of tumors by tissue type: Fibro-
answer
from fibrous connective tissue
Unlock the answer
question
Classification of tumors by tissue type: Gilo-
answer
from glial cells in the brain
Unlock the answer
question
Classification of tumors by tissue type: Hemangio-
answer
from blood vessels
Unlock the answer
question
Classification of tumors by tissue type: Hepato-
answer
from the liver
Unlock the answer
question
Classification of tumors by tissue type: Leiomyo-
answer
from smooth muscle
Unlock the answer
question
Classification of tumors by tissue type: Lipo
answer
from fat/adipose
Unlock the answer
question
Classification of tumors by tissue type: Lympho
answer
from lymph tissues
Unlock the answer
question
Classification of tumors by tissue type: Melano-
answer
from the pigment producing cells in the skin
Unlock the answer
question
Classification of tumors by tissue type: Meningio-
answer
From the meninges in the brain
Unlock the answer
question
Classification of tumors by tissue type: Neuro
answer
from the nerve tissue
Unlock the answer
question
Classification of tumors by tissue type: Osteo
answer
from the bone
Unlock the answer
question
Classification of tumors by tissue type: Renal-
answer
from the kidney
Unlock the answer
question
Classification of tumors by tissue type: Rhabdo-
answer
from the skeletal muscle
Unlock the answer
question
Classification of tumors by tissue type: Squamous-
answer
from the epithelial layer of skin, mucous membranes,and organ linings
Unlock the answer
question
Cancers are divided into 2 major categories:
answer
solid and hematologic
Unlock the answer
question
Oncogene activation
answer
-Oncogenes are proto-oncogenes that are turned on -There are about 70 different proto-oncogenes that can be activated by carcinogens -They are turned off, controlled, or suppressed by "suppressor genes"- control the expression of oncogenes
Unlock the answer
question
External factors causing cancer
answer
-70 to 80 percent may be the result of environmental factors -Chemical carcinogenesis- 30% from tobacco use -Physical carcinogenesis: ---Radiation- ionizing and ultraviolet ---Chronic irritation
Unlock the answer
question
External factors causing cancer 'cont.
answer
-Viral carcinogenesis- oncoviruses (Epstein-Barr, Hepatitis B)- these damage DNA -Dietary factors- low fiber, red meat, fat, preservatives, additives
Unlock the answer
question
Personal factors and cancer development
answer
-Immune function -Natural killer cells and helper T cells -Adults 60 and older have decreased immune systems -Organ transplant recipients -AIDS patients -Age
Unlock the answer
question
Assessment considerations in the older client: Colorectal cancer-
answer
any change in bowel habits, bloody stool
Unlock the answer
question
Assessment considerations in the older client: Bladder cancer-
answer
pain, burning, blood, cloudy urine or increased frequency or urgency
Unlock the answer
question
Assessment considerations in the older client: Prostate cancer-
answer
hesitancy, change in size of urine stream, pain in back or legs, history of UTI
Unlock the answer
question
Assessment considerations in the older client: Skin cancer-
answer
ask about changes in moles
Unlock the answer
question
Assessment considerations in the older client: Leukemia-
answer
Observe skin for color, petechiae, ecchymosis, fatigue, bleeding tendency, history of infections, night sweats, unexplained fever
Unlock the answer
question
Assessment considerations in the older client: Lung cancer-
answer
-skin and mucous membranes, how many words between breaths, cough, hoarseness, smoking, exposure, SOB, activity intolerance, frothy sputum, pain, difficulty swallowing
Unlock the answer
question
Genetic risk: Inherited cancers
answer
breast, prostate, ovarian
Unlock the answer
question
Genetic risk: Familial clustering
answer
breast, melanoma
Unlock the answer
question
Genetic risk: Bloom syndrome
answer
leukemia
Unlock the answer
question
Genetic risk: Familial polyposis
answer
colorectal
Unlock the answer
question
Genetic risk: Chromosomal
answer
leukemia, breast
Unlock the answer
question
Blood testing-
answer
expensive, does not diagnose the presence of cancer
Unlock the answer
question
Racial differences in cancer development- most common
answer
-White- lung, breast -Asian- breast, colorectal -African American- lung, prostate -Hispanic- prostate, breast
Unlock the answer
question
Primary prevention
answer
-Avoid known or potential carcinogens -Modification of associated factors -Removal of "at risk" tissues -Chemoprevention- using drugs, chemicals, natural nutrients, or other substances to disrupt one or more steps important to cancer development -Vaccination- Gardasil may prevent HPV
Unlock the answer
question
Primary prevention: Chemoprevention may:
answer
-Prevent formation of a carcinogen -Block the action of a carcinogen on DNA -Enhance elimination of a carcinogen -Suppress carcinogenic action -Antipromotion activity -Suppression of progression
Unlock the answer
question
Target populations for chemoprevention
answer
-Healthy people with no known specific cancer risk --People at greater than normal risk because of increased environmental exposure or decreased immune function -People with precancerous lesions -People with a history of cancer
Unlock the answer
question
Secondary prevention: Screening programs-
answer
-Screening programs- -Yearly mammogram and breast exam over 40 -Colonoscopy at age 50 and q 10 years -Yearly fecal occult blood for all adults -Yearly PSA and DRE for men over 50 -Pap smears every 2-3 years over 30 if they have had 3 normal tests in a row
Unlock the answer
question
Yearly mammogram and breast exam over
answer
40
Unlock the answer
question
Colonoscopy at age
answer
50 and q 10 years
Unlock the answer
question
Yearly fecal occult blood for
answer
all adults
Unlock the answer
question
-Yearly PSA and DRE for men over
answer
50
Unlock the answer
question
-Pap smears every 2-3 years over
answer
30 if they have had 3 normal tests in a row
Unlock the answer
question
Prevention
answer
-Seek healthcare advice whenever one of the 7 warning signs of cancer are present -Compliance with the treatment regimen -Follow-ups are important -Continue recommended screening practices -Avoid carcinogens -Exercise regularly -Obtain adequate rest -Reduce stress -Assist clients to quit smoking -Teach to limit dietary fat, smoked meats, & red meat
Unlock the answer
question
THE SEVEN WARNING SIGNS OF CANCER: C-A-U-T-I-O-N
answer
C- Changes in bowel or bladder habits A- a sore throat that does not heal U- unusual bleeding or discharge T- thickening or lump I- indigestion or difficulty swallowing O- obvious change in a wart or mole N- nagging cough or hoarseness
Unlock the answer
question
Diagnostic tests
answer
-Cytology- helps to identify cellular changes -Radiological studies -Hematological studies -Endoscopic studies -Nuclear studies -biopsy
Unlock the answer
question
Types of biopsy: Needle
answer
aspirating cells, boring a "core"
Unlock the answer
question
Types of biopsy: Incisional-
answer
removing a wedge of tissue from a larger tissue mass
Unlock the answer
question
Types of biopsy: Excisional-
answer
completely removing an entire lesion without removing any adjacent normal tissues
Unlock the answer
question
Types of biopsy: Staging-
answer
performing multiple needle or incisional biopsies
Unlock the answer
question
GRADING: cannot be determined
answer
GX
Unlock the answer
question
GRADING: tumor cells are well differentiated and closely resemble normal cells
answer
G1
Unlock the answer
question
GRADING: moderately differentiated
answer
G2
Unlock the answer
question
GRADING: poorly differentiated- tissue of origin can be established
answer
G3
Unlock the answer
question
GRADING: undifferentiated, no normal cell characteristics
answer
G4
Unlock the answer
question
STAGING
answer
Determines the exact location and degree of metastasis
Unlock the answer
question
STAGING: carcinoma in situ
answer
Stage 0
Unlock the answer
question
STAGING: tumor limited to the tissue of origin; localized tumor growth
answer
Stage 1
Unlock the answer
question
STAGING: limited local spread
answer
Stage 2:
Unlock the answer
question
STAGING: extensive local and regional spread
answer
Stage 3:
Unlock the answer
question
STAGING: metastasis
answer
Stage 4:
Unlock the answer
question
Primary tumor: cannot be assessed
answer
TX
Unlock the answer
question
Primary tumor: no evidence of tumor
answer
T0
Unlock the answer
question
Primary tumor: carcinoma in situ
answer
Tis
Unlock the answer
question
Primary tumor: increasing in size and extent
answer
T1, T2, T3, T4
Unlock the answer
question
Regional lymph nodes: cannot be assessed
answer
NX
Unlock the answer
question
Regional lymph nodes: no metastasis
answer
N0
Unlock the answer
question
Regional lymph nodes: Increasing involvement
answer
N1, N2, N3
Unlock the answer
question
Distant Metastasis: cannot be assessed
answer
MX
Unlock the answer
question
Distant Metastasis: no distant metastasis
answer
M0
Unlock the answer
question
Distant Metastasis: distant metastasis
answer
M1
Unlock the answer
