Cancer Flashcards
4 Common Types of Cancers
- Carcinoma:
-from epithelial tissue (e.g. skin, stomach, breast, liver, kidney)
-grow locally–>invad lymphatic–>Met
-grow more quickly than sarcomas - Sarcoma:
-from connective tissue, bone and muscle
-grow+invade locally–>late Met
-grow slowly but relentless - Lymphoma
-from lymph node
Hodgkin’s disease - painless, progressive enlargement of lymphoid tissue–>proliferation of lymph nodes in neck and axilla
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma - many types, some rapid growing and some slow growing
- Leukemias and myeloma
- Affect blood and blood-forming organs (bone marrow)
Osteosarcoma
-Malignant bone-forming tumor
-X-ray: moth-eaten appearance
-limb salvage surgery/amputation
Skin cancer
- Asymmetry
- Border (diffuse or non-distinct borders)
- Colour (bright, black or mixed)
- Diameter (>6mm)
- Evolving (changing)
Stages of cancer
Stage 0 = cancer in situ
Stage 1 = cancer is small and has not extended into surrounding tissue
Stage 2-3 = cancer has extended into surrounding tissue
Stage 4 = cancer has spread to different organs
Chemotherapy side effect
- fatigue
- pulmonary fibrosis
- cardiotoxicity
- myalgia
- peripheral neuropathy
- bone marrow depression
Cytotoxic precautions
–>contact precautions
- cytotoxic: excreted in urine
- can be absorbed through the skin
- in place for 48 hours after administration of the drugs
Post-mastectomy consideration
- Regain pain free ROM of shoulder
–>early post op ex. in day 1!! - Prevention and reduction of edema (lymphedema)
PT Rx:
- light exercise–>more drainage
- Wrapping–>tightest in distal
- manual lymph drainage: CI: skin infection, active cancer, blood clots/CHF, area post radiation
-pneumatic compression
-compression garments
Reduce the risk of developing Lymphedema
Protect arm/leg
- Shave with an electric razor
- avoid inserting needles and vaccinations in the affected limb
Rest arm or leg while recovering
- Avoid any strenuous activity
- no heavy lifting, intense exercise
Avoid heat on arm or leg
- No hot tubs or saunas
- No heat therapy to limb
Elevate arm/leg
- elevate the affected limb above heart level when possible
Avoid tight clothing
- Avoid anything that could constrict the limb (e.g. blood pressure cuff; tight band of clothing)
Keep limb clean
- Don’t go barefoot; wash hands