Oncology Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to oncology, suitable for review in preparation for an exam.

Cancer

A large group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth that can arise in any organ system and can have multiple causes and treatments.

Metastasis

The spread of cancer cells from the primary site to other parts of the body, often via the blood and lymph systems.

Angiogenesis

The process through which new blood vessels form from pre-existing vessels, often utilized by tumors to sustain growth.

Carcinogenesis

The process by which normal cells are transformed into cancer cells due to genetic changes and exposure to carcinogenic factors.

Etiologies

genetic changes : errors, DNA damage from UV rays and chemicals, inherited mutations

viruses and bacteria: HPV, HBV, EBV, H. pylori

lifestyle factors: smoking, obesity, diet 

Biopsy

A medical procedure that involves taking a sample of tissue from the body for diagnostic examination to determine the presence of cancer.

cancer is not diagnosed until a biopsy is taken 

Chemotherapy

A cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells, which can be administered in various ways and can be curative or palliative.

Radiation therapy

A treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill or damage cancer cells, which can be given as a curative or palliative measure.

Palliative care

Type of medical care focused on providing relief from symptoms and stress of a serious illness, with a goal to improve quality of life.

Survivorship

The phase following cancer diagnosis and treatment, focused on long-term health and well-being, including monitoring for recurrence.

Screening

Medical tests performed to detect cancer in individuals who do not have symptoms, allowing for earlier intervention and treatment.

Neutropenia

A condition characterized by an abnormally low number of neutrophils, increasing the risk of infection, commonly seen in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Cancer burden

The impact of cancer on a population, measured in terms of incidence, prevalence, mortality, and economic cost.

Immunotherapy

A type of cancer treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer, using substances made by the body or in a laboratory.

primary stage for detection

prevention focusing on

nutrition, physical activity, sunscreen, no smoking, vaccines against HPV and HBV

secondary stage in detection

imaging such as mammograms, Pap smear, colonoscopy, ct chest, tumor markers, PSA test, skin checks

tertiary stage for detection 

focuses on treatment and rehabilitation after cancer diagnosis, aimed at improving quality of life and preventing recurrence.

diet

5+ servings of fruits and veg

whole grains

limit sugar and processed food

limit drinking

exercise

150 to 300 minutes of moderate intestines exercise per week

sun safety 

apply sunscreen 30 mins before 

use spa 30+ 

avoid tanning beds 

warning signs of cancer

CAUTION US

Change is blood bowel or bladder habits

A sore that doesn’t heal

Unusual bleeding/discharge

Thickening or lump somewhere

Indigestion

Obvious change in wart/ mole

Nagging cough or hoarseness

Unexplained anemia

Sudden unexplained weightloss

how is cancer diagnosed 

cancer screening/ S&sx 

diagnostic imaging 

tissue sample/biopsy 

cancer diagnosis 

staging 

size of tumorand extent of spread in the body, determining the severity of cancer, and lymph node involvement

grading

defines originating tissue type and the aggressiveness of cancer based on its histological characteristics.

graded 1-5

goals of curative treatment

aim to eliminate cancer, prolong survival, and improve quality of life.

goals of control treatment 

aim to manage cancer progression, alleviate symptoms, and maintain quality of life.

goals of palliative treatment

focus on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life without aiming for a cure.

what is the goal of radiation 

to destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. It aims to shrink tumors, reduce symptoms, and prolong survival in patients.

can be curative or palliative

radiation nursing interventions skin care

assess for redness and cracking

clean with lukewarm water

avoid sun or cold

avoid creams, lotions, deodorants, perfume

ONLY USE AQUAFOR OR A&D

radiation nursing interventions 

skin care 

antiemetics 

pain meds 

advise to wear loose cotton clothing 

chemotherapy concerns

extravasation: STOP DRUG IF BURNING

hypersensitive reaction: STOP DRUG

toxicities

chemo toxicity

alopecia

GI side effects ( chemo induced n/v and stomatitis)

neutropenia

nutritional deficits

neuropathy

myelosupression

brain fog

neutropenia precautions 

assess skin, lungs, temp, CBC, and risk of infection/sickness regularly 

private room 

no fresh flowers 

room cleaning and hand washing constantly 

low microbial diet( NO COLDCUTS, SALADS, FRUITS OR VEG) 

use of spirometry 

IV site care 

what chemo causes hemorrhagic cystitis

Drugs like cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide can cause hemorrhagic cystitis due to the toxic metabolites they produce. excessive Hydration and bladder protective agents may be used to mitigate this side effect.

what chemo med is known for cardiac toxicity

anthracylines: doxorubicin and trastuzumab. These can lead to conditions like cardiomyopathy or heart failure.

monitor EF before and after

what is immunotherapy

a type of cancer treatment that utilizes the body's immune system to fight cancer cells. It includes various approaches, such as checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies.

oncotic complications

infection

septic shock

bleeding or hemorrhage

oncotic emergencies

•Spinal cord compression

•Pericardial effusion/tamponade

•Disseminate intravascular coagulation (DIC)

•Tumor lysis syndrome

•Hypercalcemia

superior vena cava syndrome 

A condition caused by obstruction of blood flow through the superior vena cava, often due to malignancy, leading to symptoms such as facial swelling, arm swelling, and shortness of breath.

DIC

A serious condition where small blood clots form throughout the body's small blood vessels, leading to bleeding or organ damage.

what labs to assess for DIC 

In suspected DIC, assess complete blood count (CBC), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen levels, and D-dimer levels.

what to assess on pt for DIC

Examine for clinical signs such as bleeding, organ dysfunction, and skin manifestations like petechiae or bruising, as well as vital signs for hypotension.

most common cancer

skin cancer

most common cancer in men

prostate

most common cancer in females 

breast 

pack years formula 

number of packs smoked per day x years smoked

what population is more likely to get prostate cancer

black men

screening for prostate cancer

PSA test

digital rectal exam

what population has high rate of colorectal cancer 

black Americans 

southern Americans 

alaskan native 

native Americans