oncologic nursing reviewer

Cancer

A complex of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells that harm and destroy normal tissue.

Oncology

The branch of medicine that deals with the study, detection, treatment, and management of cancer and neoplasia.

Neoplasm

A new growth resulting in abnormal cellular reproduction.

Benign

A type of neoplasm characterized by well-differentiated, slow growth, encapsulated, non-invasive, and does not metastasize.

Malignant

A type of neoplasm characterized by undifferentiated, erratic and uncontrolled growth, expansive and invasive, secretes abnormal proteins, and metastasizes.

Carcinoma

A malignant tumor that originates from epithelial tissue.

Sarcoma

A malignant tumor that originates from connective tissue.

Metastasis

The ability of cancer cells to disseminate and establish growth in another area of the body at a distance from its origin.

Hyperplasia

Tissue growth based on an excessive rate of cell division, potentially reversible.

Dysplasia

Bizarre cell growth differing in size, shape, and cell arrangement.

Metaplasia

Conversion of one type of cell in a tissue to another type not normal for that tissue.

Anaplasia

Change in the DNA cell structure and orientation to one another, characterized by loss of differentiation and a return to a more primitive form.

Carcinomas

Epithelial tissue cancers that arise from body surfaces, lining of body cavities, etc.

Sarcomas

Connective tissue cancers that arise from striated muscle, bone, etc.

Lymphomas and Leukemias

Cancers of the hematopoietic system.

Nervous Tissue Tumors

Cancers that originate from nerve cells.

Myeloma

Cancer that develops in the plasma cells of bone marrow.

Lymphomas

Cancers that arise in the lymph nodes and tissues of the body's immune system.

Leukemias

Cancers of the immature blood cells that grow in the bone marrow and tend to accumulate in large numbers in the bloodstream.

Disruption of Function

Can be due to obstruction or pressure caused by cancer.

Hematologic Alterations

Impairment of the function of blood cells caused by cancer.

Hemorrhage

Tumor erosion, bleeding, and severe anemia.

Anorexia-Cachexia Syndrome

Wasted appearance of the client associated with cancer.

Paraneoplastic Syndromes

Ectopic sites with excess hormone production.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Causes excessive secretion of cortisone.

Pain

Major concern of clients and families associated with cancer.

Physical Stress

Body tries to respond and destroy neoplasm.

Psychological Stress

Emotional and mental stress experienced by individuals with cancer.

Change in bowel or bladder habits

A potential sign of colon, bladder, or kidney cancer.

Sore that does not heal

Can indicate skin or oral cancer.

Unusual bleeding or discharge

Blood in stool or urine may be a sign of colon, bladder, or kidney cancer.

Thickenings or lumps

Enlargement of lymph nodes or glands can be an early sign of cancer.

Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing

Can be caused by cancers of the digestive system.

Obvious change in a wart or mole

Moles or skin lesions that change in shape, size, or color should be reported.

Nagging or persistent cough or hoarseness

Can be a sign of respiratory tract cancers.

Unexplained anemia

Anemia without a clear cause may be a sign of cancer.

Sudden unexplained weight loss

Significant weight loss without a clear cause may be a sign of cancer.

Complete blood cell count (CBC)

Laboratory test to assess blood cell counts.

Tumor markers

Substances in the blood that are made by tumors and can be used for identification.

Biopsy

Procedure to obtain tissue samples for examination.

X-rays, Computed tomography, Ultrasounds, Magnetic resonance imaging, Nuclear imaging, Angiography

Diagnostic tests to determine the location of cancer.

Tissue samples

Samples obtained from biopsies, shedded cells, and washings for examination.

Cytologic Examination

Examination of tissue under a microscope.

Direct Visualization

Procedures such as sigmoidoscopy, cystoscopy, endoscopy, bronchoscopy, and exploratory surgery to visualize and examine the affected area.

Tumor Staging

Determining the size of the tumor and the existence of metastasis.

Tumor Grading

Classifying tumor cells by the type of tissue.

TNM system

A staging system based on the extent of the tumor, spread to lymph nodes, and presence of metastasis.

Acute or chronic pain

Nursing diagnosis for individuals experiencing pain related to cancer.

Impaired skin integrity

Nursing diagnosis for individuals with compromised skin due to cancer or its treatment.

Impaired oral mucous membrane

Nursing diagnosis for individuals with oral mucosal changes due to cancer or its treatment.

Risk for injury

Nursing diagnosis for individuals at risk of injury due to cancer or its treatment.

Risk for infection

Nursing diagnosis for individuals at risk of infection due to cancer or its treatment.

Fatigue

Nursing diagnosis for individuals experiencing fatigue related to cancer or its treatment.

Imbalanced nutrition

Less than body requirements:Nursing diagnosis for individuals with inadequate nutrition intake related to cancer or its treatment.

Risk for imbalanced fluid volume

Nursing diagnosis for individuals at risk of fluid imbalance due to cancer or its treatment.

Anxiety

Nursing diagnosis for individuals experiencing anxiety related to cancer diagnosis or treatment.

Disturbed body image

Nursing diagnosis for individuals with altered body image due to cancer or its treatment.

Deficient knowledge

Nursing diagnosis for individuals with a lack of knowledge about cancer and its treatment.

Ineffective coping

Nursing diagnosis for individuals with ineffective coping mechanisms related to cancer diagnosis or treatment.

Social isolation

Nursing diagnosis for individuals experiencing social isolation due to cancer diagnosis or treatment.

Pain relief

Desired outcome for individuals with cancer to achieve relief from pain.

Integrity of skin and oral mucosa

Desired outcome for individuals with cancer to maintain intact skin and oral mucosa.

Absence of injury and infection

Desired outcome for individuals with cancer to be free from injury and infection.

Fatigue relief

Desired outcome for individuals with cancer to experience relief from fatigue.

Maintenance of nutritional intake and fluid and electrolyte balance

Desired outcome for individuals with cancer to maintain adequate nutrition and fluid balance.

Improved body image

Desired outcome for individuals with cancer to have an improved perception of their body image.

Absence of complications

Desired outcome for individuals with cancer to be free from complications related to cancer or its treatment.

Knowledge of prevention and cancer treatment

Desired outcome for individuals with cancer to have knowledge about preventing cancer and its treatment.

Effective coping through recovery and grieving process

Desired outcome for individuals with cancer to effectively cope with the recovery and grieving process.

Optimal social interaction

Desired outcome for individuals with cancer to have optimal social interaction.

Primary Prevention

Reducing modifiable risk factors in the external and internal environment to prevent cancer.

Secondary Prevention

Recognizing early signs and symptoms of cancer and seeking prompt treatment to halt the cancerous process.

Tobacco

The single largest cause of cancer death, implicated in roughly one out of every three cancer deaths.

Sunlight

Excessive exposure to sunlight can cause skin cancer, including the potentially lethal tumor called melanoma.

Alcohol and Tobacco

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol and smoking tobacco increases the risk of developing certain types of cancer, especially when combined.

Fats and Calories

Limiting fat consumption and calorie intake may decrease the risk of certain cancers, particularly colon cancer.

Fruits and Vegetables

Consuming fruits and vegetables has been strongly correlated with a reduction in cancer risk.

Cancer Viruses

Taking actions to avoid exposure to viruses, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), which can increase the risk of cervical cancer.

Industrial Pollution

While some environmental chemicals can cause cancer, industrial pollution does not appear to be a major cause of most cancers in the population at large.

Surgery

Surgical removal of tumors is the most commonly used treatment for cancer, with various types of surgeries performed for different purposes.

Chemotherapy

The use of antineoplastic drugs to promote tumor cell death by interfering with cellular functions and reproduction.

Radiotherapy

Directing high-energy ionizing radiation to destroy malignant tumor cells without harming surrounding tissues.

Immunotherapy

Using chemical or microbial agents to induce mobilization of immune defenses against cancer.

Biologic Response Modifiers

Using agents that alter the immunologic relationship between tumor and host in a beneficial way.

Bone Marrow Peripheral Stem Cell Transplantation

Aspirating bone marrow cells from a compatible donor and infusing them into the recipient.

Gene Therapy

Transferring genetic materials into the client's DNA to treat cancer.

Nursing Management

Promoting measures to relieve pain, maintain skin integrity, oral mucosa, prevent abnormal bleeding, identify and prevent infection, decrease fatigue, ensure adequate nutrition and fluid balance, and enhance body image for cancer patients.

Chemotherapy

Treatment using drugs to kill cancer cells.

Alkylating agents

Chemotherapy drugs that create defects in tumor DNA.

Antimetabolites

Chemotherapy drugs that interfere with the phase-specific cell division.

Antitumor Antibiotics

Chemotherapy drugs that interfere with DNA and damage cardiac muscle.

Miotic Inhibitors

Chemotherapy drugs that prevent cell division during the M phase of cell division.

Hormones

Chemotherapy drugs that act on specific stages of cell division.

Hormone Antagonist

Chemotherapy drugs that block hormones on hormone-binding tumors.

Colon Cancer

Cancer that affects the colon, with risk factors including increasing age, family history, and high-fat diet.

Sigmoid colon

The most common site for colon cancer.

Adenocarcinoma

The most common type of colon cancer.

Bowel habits

Changes in bowel movements, a common symptom of colon cancer.

Anemia

A condition characterized by a low red blood cell count, often seen in colon cancer patients.

Anorexia

Loss of appetite, a common symptom of colon cancer.