Cancer Flashcards
(28 cards)
Most common cancer types in male/females?
M- prostate, lung, colorectal
F- breast, lung, colorectal
What is cancer?
Abnormal cell growth/loss of cellular regulation that results in new tissues that serve no useful purpose. They are harmful to normal cells/organs and can lead to death if untreated.
Risk factors for cancer?
Environment (exposure to chemicals, radiation, nuclear power explosions, chronic irritation/tissue trauma- burn, viruses). Diet (low fibre, high red meat intake, preventatives/additives). Immunity (lower immune system), age, genetics (breast cancer gene).
Characteristics of normal cells?
Has a distinct size/shape/appearance. Small nucleus to cytoplasm ratio. Has a function and don’t wander through body (except RBC). Divide only to replace old/damaged tissue. They die at appropriate times. Balance of 2 protocol-oncogenes (cell growth) to suppressor genes (inhibit growth).
Characteristic of cancer cells?
Normal cells that undergo genetic mutation and don’t look like parent cell (anaplasia). Nucleus is large/cell size is smaller. Don’t serve a purpose and break off easily. They divide even when touching other cells (contact inhibition). Unlimited life span (rapid/continuous cell division) and chromosome numbers can be different.
Cancer cell development stages general?
Initiation, promotion, progression, and metastasis.
What is initiation?
Mutation in cells genetic structure, irreversible event, proto-oncogenes change to oncogenes (loss of suppressors gene function), cells can die/repair itself/continue to grow.
What is promotion?
Growth of altered cells, they replicate, and this stage is r/t risk factors.
What is progression?
Continued change/growth of cancer, tumour develops its own blood supply.
What is metastasis?
Spread of cancer to another location in body, ability of cancer cells to penetrate lymphatic system and then it can spread around the body.
What does benign and malignant mean?
B- non cancerous cells, grow locally, don’t spread
M- cancer cells, invade neighbouring tissues/enter blood vessels, metastasize to different sites
How are tumours classified?
According to tissue of origin (location), cellular aspects (grading, compare appearance of cancer cell to parent tissue), number/structure of tumour chromosomes, location/spread of tumour.
Grading of cells?
How abnormal cells look under a microscope. Higher #= cells are worse. G1 (differs slightly than normal cells, look and behave like normal cells). G2 (cells more abnormal, moderately differentiated). G3 (cells very abnormal and poorly differentiated). G4 (tumours cells are undifferentiated).
What is primary tumour grading?
Higher # is badder (tumour size increases). X means not being able to determine size, 0 means no evidence of primary tumor.
Different types of surgery for cancer?
- Prophylactic- prevent cancer development,
- Diagnostic- excisional biopsy to rule out cancer
- Curative- removes all cancer
- Debunking- removes part of cancer tissue
- Palliative- provides symptom relief
- Reconstructive- increase function/appearance
What is radiation therapy for cancer?
High dose radiation to a local area that’s given as a series of doses over time. Side effects are radiation dermatitis (healthy tissue becomes red/starts to stuff), altered tastes, fatigue, bone marrow suppression. Patients given speak lotion to protect surrounding skin.
What is chemotherapy?
Drug therapy (oral or IV) to kill cancer cells/disrupt their cellular regulation. It will also destroy healthy cells as well. Given on regular schedule to maximize cell death/minimize damage to normal cells.
Side effects of chemotherapy?
Side effects- bone marrow suppression (monitor blood cell counts, symptoms of infection), nausea/vomit (give antimetics, monitor for weight/dehydration, eat slow and serve food at cold/room temperature). Muscositis (oral hygiene, inspect mouth/gums, good nutrition). Alopecia (temporary, all hair on body, avoid sun on scalp). Changes in cognitive function (decreased concentration, memory loss, avoid drugs/alcohol). Peripheral neuropathy (loose sensation in limbs, impaired mobility/balance, erectile dysfunction, loose tastes, constipation).
Order of pain meds for cancer?
Start with non opioid/adjuvants (ASA, NSAIDS, adjuvants- muscle relaxants, anti-depressants). Opioids for mild to moderate pain (codeine/morphine). Highest level is opioids for moderate to severe pain (fentanyl, hydro-morphine). Goal is freedom from cancer pain.
What is colorectal cancer?
Mix of genetic/environmental factors cause cells in lining of bowels to turn cancerous. Most are in recto sigmoid area. Arise from polyps (small bulges of abnormal cells from bowel wall).
Risk factors for colorectal cancer?
Age (50+), personal hx of colorectal polyps, fam hx of colorectal cancer, personal hx of IBD (ulcerative colitis), fam/personal hx of familial adenomatous polypsis (need to remove large intestine or else they’ll get colorectal cancer).
Modifiable- physical inactivity, obesity, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, diet high in fats/calories
Colorectoral screening?
For ages 50-74 collect stool sample. FIT test (fecal immunochemical test will test for blood in stool). Done every 2 years and if positive, then further testing is required. Colonoscopy done every 10 yrs.
Symptoms of colorectal cancer?
No symptoms in early stages, vary depending on cancer location, blood in/on stool, change in bowel habits, narrow stools, general abdominal discomfort, feeling of bowel not emptying, urgency with BM, weight loss/tired.
Lab assessments for colorectal cancer?
FIT test, fecal occult blood test, colonoscopy is golden standard (small tube with light/camera that inserted into anus into large intestine).
