cell reg pp 2 Flashcards
(50 cards)
What is the second most common malignancy among American women?
Breast cancer
Breast cancer is also the second most common cause of death among women.
What are the primary risk factors for developing breast cancer?
- Family history
- Genetics
- Age 60 or older
- Early menarche, late menopause
- Hormone therapy (estrogen + progesterone)
- Environmental factors
- Most women have no identifiable risk factors
These factors contribute to the risk but not all women with breast cancer have identifiable risk factors.
What percentage of breast cancers are hereditary?
5% to 10%
Most hereditary breast cancers are associated with mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
What are the two main types of breast cancer?
- Noninvasive (in situ)
- Invasive (spreading to other locations)
Noninvasive includes Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) while invasive includes Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and Invasive lobular carcinoma.
What is a common characteristic of inflammatory breast cancer?
Skin red, warm, with a thickened appearance resembling an orange peel (peau d’orange)
Inflammatory breast cancer is the most malignant form of breast cancer.
What defines metastasis in breast cancer?
Malignant cells are spread by blood and lymph systems to distant organs
Common sites for metastasis include brain, lungs, liver, and bones.
What is the purpose of mammography in breast cancer diagnosis?
Screening for breast cancer
Digital mammography is more accurate in younger women whose breasts are denser.
What is the significance of axillary lymph node analysis in breast cancer?
One of the most important prognostic factors
The more lymph nodes involved, the greater the risk of recurrence.
What is the treatment for triple-negative breast cancer?
Chemotherapy
Triple-negative breast cancer tests negative for estrogen, progesterone, and HER-2 receptors, making it more aggressive.
What does neoadjuvant therapy refer to?
Therapy given before surgery to shrink the size of the tumor
The opposite of neoadjuvant: Adjuvant therapy is given after surgery to decrease the rate of recurrence.
What is the role of hormone therapy in breast cancer treatment?
Blocks the effect and source of estrogen, promoting tumor regression
Estrogen can promote the growth of breast cancer cells if they are estrogen receptor positive.
What are some common psychosocial considerations for patients with breast cancer?
- Sensitivity to the psychological impact of diagnosis/surgery
- Providing a safe environment for expression of feelings
- Helping identify sources of support
Communication with family and friends is also crucial.
What is the most common surgical procedure for operable breast cancer?
Breast conservation surgery (lumpectomy)
Mastectomy is another common option, with variations including simple and modified radical mastectomy.
What is lymphedema and how can it occur after breast cancer surgery?
Accumulation of lymph in soft tissues after lymph node sampling or radiation therapy
It occurs because lymph fluid cannot return to central circulation.
What is the most common type of colorectal cancer?
Adenocarcinoma
It accounts for a large percentage of colorectal cancer cases.
What are common risk factors for colorectal cancer?
- Age over 50
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Low-fiber diet
- Personal or family history of colorectal cancer
Genetic conditions like Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) also contribute.
What is the purpose of regular screening for colorectal cancer?
To identify precancerous lesions
Colonoscopy is the typical method used for screening.
What are colonic polyps and their significance?
Growths on the inner lining of the colon that may become cancerous
Adenomatous polyps are the most common type and a common cause of colorectal cancer.
What is the most common type of colorectal cancer?
Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma accounts for the majority of colorectal cancer cases.
How do tumors in colorectal cancer spread?
Through the walls of the colon into musculature and into the lymphatic and vascular systems
This allows for metastasis to lymph nodes, liver, lungs, bone, brain, and adjacent organs.
What are colonic polyps?
Growths on the inner lining of the colon that protrude into the colon
More common with aging and may become cancerous.
What is the most common type of polyp that leads to colorectal cancer?
Adenomatous polyp
It is the most common cause of colorectal cancer.
What is a common symptom of advanced colorectal cancer?
Change in bowel habits
Other symptoms include unexplained weight loss and vague abdominal pain.
What is the most common symptom associated with cancerous lesions in colorectal cancer?
Rectal bleeding
Other symptoms include weakness, iron-deficient anemia, and alternating constipation and diarrhea.