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Fundamentals of Nursing > Cancer > Flashcards

Flashcards in Cancer Deck (40)
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1
Q

Hyperplasia

A

Increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue

2
Q

Metaplasia

A

Conversion of one type of cell into another

3
Q

Dysplasia

A

Bizarre cell growth resulting in cells that differ in shape, size or arrangement from other cells of the same tissue type

4
Q

Anaplasia

A

Growth pattern which lacks normal characteristics and differ in shape and organization

5
Q

Neoplasia/neoplasm

A

Replacement of damaged tissue

6
Q

Doubling time

A

the amount of time it takes for a tumor to double in size by miotic cell divisions

7
Q

Gene expression

A

The activation or “turning on” of a specific gene to the extent that it synthesizes specific protein that influences the activity of a cell or group of cells

8
Q

Gene suppression

A

The deactivation or “turning off” of a specific gene so that is silent and doesn’t synthesize a protein

9
Q

Initiation

A

the damage of a normal cell’s DNA by a carcinogen

10
Q

Anaplastic

A

Without shape or differentiation, small and round

11
Q

Fibronectin

A

A large, extracellular, transformation-sensitive-cell-surface protein present on normal cells that allows normal cells to adhere tightly together

12
Q

Latency

A

The period of time b/w when a carcinogenic agent or substance damaged the DNA of a normal cell and when an overt cancer is present

13
Q

Cancer

A

A group of many diseases of multiple causes that can arise in any cell of the body capable of evading regulatory controls over proliferation and differentiation

14
Q

Initiation in carcinogensis

A

Carcinogens alter the DNA of the cell. Cell will either die or repair

15
Q

Promotion in carcinogensis

A

Repeated exposure to carcinogens. Abnormal gene will express. Latent period.

16
Q

Progression in carcinogensis

A

Irreversible period. Cells undergo neoplastic transformation then malignancy

17
Q

Which cells kill tumor cells

A

Cytotoxic t cells

18
Q

Which cells produce antibodies

A

B cells

19
Q

Tumors are classified according to

A

Anatomic site
Histologic analysis (Grading)
Extent of disease (staging)

20
Q

What is Grade 1 classification

A

Cells differ slightly from normal cells (mild dysplasia) and are well differentiated

21
Q

What is Grade 2 classification

A

Cells are more abnormal (moderate dysplasia) and moderately differentiated

22
Q

What is Grade 3 classification

A

Cells are very abnormal (severe dysplasia) and poorly differentiated

23
Q

What is Grade 4 classification

A

Cells are immature and primitive (anaplasia) and undifferentiated; cell of origin is difficult to determine

24
Q

The staging classification system is based on

A

Description of the extent of the disease rather than on cell appearance

25
Q

Stage 0

A

no cancer in situ

26
Q

Stage 1

A

Tumor limited to the tissue of origin; localize tumor growth. Tumor size is up to 2cm

27
Q

Stage 2

A

limited local involvement. Tumor size is up to 5 cm with axillary and neck lymph node involvement

28
Q

Stage 3

A

extensive local and regional spread. Tumor is more than 5cm

29
Q

Stage 4

A

Metastasis to distant organs

30
Q

7 warning signs of cancer

CAUTION

A
Change in bowel/bladder habits
A sore that does not heal
Unusual bleeding or discharge
Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere
Indigestion or difficulty swallowing 
Obvious change in wart or mole 
Nagging cough or hoarseness
31
Q

Side effects of chemotherapy

A
Alopecia
N/V
Mucositis 
Cardiac toxicity
Pulmonary toxicity
Nephrotoxicity
Fatigue
32
Q

Angiogenesis

A

Growth of new blood vessels that allows cancer cells to grow

33
Q

Characteristics of benign tumors

A
Resemble normal cells of the tissue from which the tumor originated
Grows by expansion, does not proliferate
Usually encapsulated
Does not spread by metastasis 
Does not usually cause tissue damage 
Does not usually cause death
34
Q

Characteristics of malignant tumors

A

Bear little resemblance to the normal cells of the tissue from which they arose
Grows at the periphery
Invade and infiltrate surrounding tissue
Rate of growth is variable
Gains access to the blood and lymphatic channels
Causes anemia, weakness, weight loss, CACS
Often causes extensive tissue damage
Usually causes death if uncontrolled

35
Q

Etiology of cancer

A

Viruses and bacteria (HPV, EBV)
Physical agents (sunlight, radiation, tobacco use)
Chemical agents (tobacco smoke)
Genetics and familial factors
Dietary (alcohol, fats, red/processed meats)
Hormonal agents

36
Q

Primary prevention for cancer

A

Avoid known carcinogens
Make dietary and lifestyle changes (stop smoking, increase physical activity, healthy diet)
If you drink alcohol, limit consumption

37
Q

Screening guidelines for breast cancer

Women age +

A

BSE (begin in early 2’s)

Mammography (Annually at age)

38
Q

Screening guidelines for colorectal cancer

Men and women age 50+

A

Colonoscopy (every 10years after age 50)
Fecal occult blood test (annually at age 50)
Stool DNA test

39
Q

Screening guidelines for prostate cancer

Men, age 50+

A

Prostate specific antigen w/ or w/o digital rectal exam

40
Q

Screening guidelines for cervical cancer

A

Age 21-29: Pap test

Age 30-65: Co testing with HPV and pap test