Cancer Assessment and Targeted Therapy Flashcards
(34 cards)
Mutated cells become tumors only when they establish the ability to
• self-replicate and grow.
The amount of damage in the cell is related to
• the dose of radiation it receives.
Some of the other cancers most strongly linked to radiation exposure in studies include:
- Lung cancer
- Skin cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Breast cancer
- Stomach cancer
Ultraviolet radiation is associated with _____ and _____ and _____ cell carcinoma.
• melanoma and squamous and basal cell carcinoma
Progression of cancer is characterized by
- Increased growth rate of tumor
- Invasiveness
- Metastasis
What is Tumor angiogenesis?
• Formation of blood vessels w/in the tumor
Tumor cells must create an environment conducive to
• growth and development.
Endoderm cells differentiate into
- Trachea
- Lungs
- Epithelium
Mesoderm cells differentiate into
- Muscles
- Bones
- Connective tissue
Ectoderm cells differentiate into
- Brain
- Skin
- Glands
Carcinomas originate from
- Embryonal ectoderm (skin, glands)
- Endoderm (mucous membrane of respiratory tract, GI and GU tracts)
Sarcomas originate from
• Embryonal mesoderm (connective tissue, muscle, bone, and fat)
Lymphomas and leukemias originate from
• Hematopoietic system
What is an indicator that a cancer has a poor prognosis and is harder to treat?
- If the cancer cells are very abnormal and poorly differentiated or
- If the cancer cells are immature and primitive and undifferentiated
Extent of cancer is based on what 3 parameters?
- Tumor size and invasiveness (T)
- Spread to lymph nodes (N)
- Metastasis (M)
Explain the 5 grades of the TNM staging system
- 0 = Cancer in situ
- 1 = Tumor limited to tissue of origin; localized tumor growth
- 2 = Limited local spread
- 3 = Extensive local and regional spread
- 4 = Metastasis
What are the seven warning signs of cancer?
- C.A.U.T.I.O.N.
- C hange in bowel or bladder habits
- A sore throat that does not heal
- U nusual bleeding or discharge from any part of the body
- T hickening or a lump in the breast or elsewhere
- I ndigestion or difficulty in swallowing
- O bvious change in a wart or mole
- N agging cough or hoarseness
What are the two critical assessments while taking an H&H that help in the dx of cancer?
- Identification of risk factors
- Physical examination
Specific diagnostic studies depend on…
• The site of cancer
Biopsy tissue may be obtained by
- Needle or aspiration
- Incisional procedure
- Excisional procedure
An “ABCDE” method is used to help identify moles or skin growths as potential Melanoma. Explain each.
- A is for asymmetrical shape.
- Look for moles with irregular shapes, such as two very different-looking halves.
- B is for irregular border.
- Look for moles with irregular, notched or scalloped borders
- C is for changes in color.
- Look for growths that have many colors or an uneven distribution of color.
- D is for diameter.
- Look for new growth in a mole larger than 1/4 inch (about 6 millimeters).
- E is for evolving.
- Look for changes over time, such as a mole that grows in size or that changes color or shape.
True or False
Moles may also evolve to develop new signs and symptoms, such as new itchiness or bleeding
• True
What are some commonly used diagnostic studies used to help dx cancer?
- Tissue biopsy (most common and definitive)
- Cytology studies
- CBC, chemistry profile, LFTs
- Endoscopic examination
- Radiographic studies (X-Ray, CT, MRI)
- PET Scan (w/ tracer)
- Tumor markers
- Genetic marker
True or False
CTs require the use of contrast dye.
• False, some do, some don’t
