cancer Flashcards
(15 cards)
Amber and Ben are a married couple in their forties. Recently, Amber’s mother passed away at age 65 from breast cancer. This event has caused the couple to reflect upon their family health histories. They have scheduled an appointment with you to discuss their concerns.
Amber begins the appointment by expressing her worry about getting cancer, as “a lot of female cancer” is in her family. She wants to know if tests can be done to diagnose cancers affecting women. You inform Amber that some cancers are associated with markers that can be evaluated in the blood or a genetic analysis can be completed. Which of the following can be used to monitor or assess the risk for cancers for which Amber may be concerned? Select all that apply.
-CA-125
-BRCA 1
-BRCA 2
CA-125 is a tumor marker that elevates in certain forms of cancer, including ovarian cancer. CA-125 levels can be used to monitor treatment progress in ovarian cancers. Specific mutations in the BRCA1 (breast cancer type 1) and BRCA2 genes have been associated with forms of breast and ovarian cancers. PSA is a marker for prostate cancer, whereas AFP is used to assess liver cancer.
You ask Amber about additional cancer cases in her family history. She states that a cousin was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Amber does not know many of the details of her cousin’s disease, but she is interested in learning more about cervical cancer. Which of the following statements are correct regarding cervical cancer? Select all that apply.
-HPV (human papillomavirus) is a primary cause of cervical cancer.
-A vaccine for HPV is used to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
-A Pap test can be a useful initial test to screen for abnormal cells of the cervix.
Cervical cancer has been associated with certain strains of HPV. A vaccine against HPV has been developed to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer. Initially, cervical cancer may cause no symptoms. Individuals with a greater number of sexual partners are more at risk for cervical cancer, as increased number of partners increases one’s exposure to HPV. A Pap test can be a useful initial screening test for cervical cancer, as cervical cells are examined.
Amber also reports that her mother, before she passed away from breast cancer, had a lump in her throat removed because it was cancerous. Her mother had been displaying signs of weight loss and tremors during this time. Amber reports that her mother had to take “some medication” after the surgery. Which of the following statements about Amber’s mother’s condition are likely true? Select all that apply.
-Amber’s mother likely had thyroid cancer.
-The medication Amber’s mother took post-surgery was likely thyroid hormone replacement.
-Being female placed Amber’s mother at an increased risk for thyroid cancer.
-radioiodine scanning may have been used to diagnose her condition
Given the symptoms, Amber’s mother likely had thyroid cancer. The cancerous nodule appeared as a “lump” in the throat area. Radioiodine scanning can help diagnose thyroid conditions, as the thyroid gland is the primary tissue that utilizes iodine. If Amber’s mother had her thyroid gland removed due to the tumor, thyroid hormone replacement medication would have been prescribed. Thyroid cancer is more frequent in females, and family history of thyroid cancer increases the risk of developing the disease.
Ben is specifically worried about prostate and colon cancer. He reports that almost every man in his family eventually ends up with prostate cancer. What marker is associated with prostate cancer?
PSA
PSA, which stands for prostate specific antigen, is considered a tumor marker for prostate cancer. PSA levels are quite variable among individuals. Thus, other diagnostic tools must be used along with PSA when evaluating prostate cancer. AFP is associated with liver cancer, CA-125 with ovarian cancer, and MART-1 with melanoma.
As Ben is concerned about prostate cancer. What are some signs and symptoms you suggest that Ben should be aware of? Select all that apply.
-trouble urinating
-erectile dysfunction
-decreased force of urine stream
Because of the proximity of the prostate gland to the urethra and bladder, changes in the prostate can affect urination. An individual may have difficulty beginning urination and the urine stream may be “dribbling” in nature. Because the prostate plays a role in the sexual response, erectile dysfunction may manifest with prostate cancer. Discoloration of the urine and burning, severe pain with urination normally do not occur with prostate cancer.
Ben is also concerned about colorectal cancer. Which of the following signs and symptoms should you discuss with Ben in relation to colorectal cancer? Select all that apply.
-black, tarry stools may be present
-colon cancer may be asymptomatic
-changes in bowel habits can be a key sign of colorectal cancer
The onset of colorectal cancer is usually not rapid, and the disease may be present with no symptoms. Screening tests, when done at the recommended time, can often detect colorectal cancer in the early states. Colorectal cancer may present with very few signs or symptoms. Severe pain is not a normal initial symptom. Often, the signs of colorectal cancer include black, tarry stools due to melena and changes in bowel habits.
Ben asks about tests that can detect colorectal cancer. Which of the following do you discuss? Select all that apply.
-FOBT
-colonoscopy
-CT colonography
-colon biopsy
PSA is associated with prostate cancer, not colorectal cancer. Presence of blood can be detected by FOBT, fecal occult blood test. FOBT can be positive in colorectal cancer. Colonoscopy and CT colonography, known as virtual colonoscopy, are means of viewing the colon to detect any cancerous changes. A colon biopsy can confirm cellular changes related to cancer.
The appointment ends with discussions about risk factors and the prevention of cancer development. Both Amber and Ben want to make lifestyle choices that support their health and lower cancer risk factors. Which factor should you note is most significant for the development of cancer?
age
Although lifestyle choices and environmental conditions play a substantial role in one’s risk for cancer, age remains the most significant factor. Two-thirds of all cancers occur in those older than age 65. Certainly, lifestyle choices such as adequate nutrition and exercise and refraining from smoking can help reduce one’s risk for cancer.
Although neither Amber nor Ben smoke, they recently had a friend, who is a non-smoker, diagnosed with lung cancer. Which of the following are risk factors for lung cancer, other than smoking? Select all that apply.
-asbestos exposure
-history of HIV infection
-history of COPD
Risk factors for lung cancer, other than smoking, include a history of COPD, as well as HIV. Exposure to environmental agents, such as asbestos, can also increase risk. Presence of APC gene mutation increases risk for colorectal cancer, whereas consumption of diet high in fat and red meat has been associated with increase risk for prostate cancer.
If Amber and Ben are worried about lung cancer, which of the following statements are true regarding the clinical presentation of this disease? Select all that apply.
-hemoptysis may occur
-hoarseness of the voice may appear
-no symptoms may be present
Lung cancer may be present with no symptoms. Because of this, many individuals may have advanced, metastatic cancer at time of diagnosis. A tumor may affect the larynx, causing hoarseness of the voice. Although fatigue may occur, dizziness is not a common symptom. Hemoptysis, blood in sputum, may be present.
Which immune cells play a significant role in the immunocompetence needed to prevent cancerous cell growth?
natural killer cells
Cancer staging involves which of the following features? Select all that apply.
-tumor size
-node involvement
-metastasis
Which of the following is a tumor suppressor gene?
TP53
Which of the following viruses has been associated with cancer?
human papillomavirus
Which term describes weight loss combined with decreased body fat and loss of appetite that is experienced by some cancer patients?
cachexia
