Oncology Flashcards
(53 cards)
What is cancer?
Disease characterized by cells which abnormally re-acquire the capacities of unrestrained reproduction and mobility.
Define tumour.
Collection/mass of abnormal cell growths.
What is a primary tumour?
Original site of tumour development.
What is a secondary tumour?
Metastases developed away from primary tumour but are of same origin as primary tumour.
What are metastases?
Spread of cancer cells from primary to other locations in body.
List intrinsic factors that cause cancer.
- Genetic
- Race
- Gender
- Age
List extrinsic factors that cause cancer.
- Chemical
- Physical
- Environmental
What does the ‘C’ in the 7 Warning Signs of Cancer stand for?
Change in bowel/bladder habits.
What does the ‘A’ in the 7 Warning Signs of Cancer stand for?
A sore that doesn’t heal.
What does the ‘U’ in the 7 Warning Signs of Cancer stand for?
Unusual bleeding/discharge.
What does the ‘T’ in the 7 Warning Signs of Cancer stand for?
Thickening/lump in the breast, testicles or elsewhere.
What does the ‘I’ in the 7 Warning Signs of Cancer stand for?
Indigestion/difficulty swallowing.
What does the ‘O’ in the 7 Warning Signs of Cancer stand for?
Obvious change in the size, colour, shape or thickness of a wart/mole/mouth sore.
What does the ‘N’ in the 7 Warning Signs of Cancer stand for?
Nagging cough/hoarseness of the voice.
What are the characteristics of benign tumours?
Localized in 1 area and don’t have access to a source of blood.
What are malignant tumours?
Tumours that detach from growing mass, infiltrate adjacent tissues, and have their own blood source.
What is the most common cause of lung cancer?
Smoking (87%).
What are the two main types of lung cancer?
- Non-small cell lung cancer
- Small cell lung cancer
What is the staging system for lung cancer based on?
Location & size of tumour (T), number of spread to lymph nodes (N), presence/absence of metastases (M).
What are the symptoms of lung cancer?
- Persistent coughing
- Haemoptysis
- Hoarseness of voice
- Change in volume/colour of sputum
- Harsh sounds with each breath
- Recurrent lung problems
- Diffuse/aching chest, shoulder or back pain
- Breathlessness
What is cancer-related fatigue?
Complete lack of energy and mental exhaustion.
What is the incidence of severe fatigue in cancer patients?
75% of cancer patients.
What are the common symptoms elsewhere in the body due to lung cancer?
- Loss of energy
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle wasting & general weakness
- Headaches, bone & joint pain
- Neurological symptoms
- Neck/facial swelling
- Blood clots
- Nausea
What is the purpose of a needle biopsy?
To diagnose lung cancer.