Introduction to Cancer Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts, terminology, diagnostics, treatment modalities, precautions, and nursing considerations from the Introduction to Cancer lecture.

Carcinoma

Cancer originating from epithelial cells, such as those found in the skin or the linings of body passageways like the esophagus and intestines.

Lymphoma

Cancer originating from infection-fighting organs such as lymph nodes.

Leukemia

Cancer originating from organs that form blood.

Sarcoma

Cancer originating from connective tissue, such as bones or muscles.

Benign Tumor

A noninvasive tumor with intact borders, balanced growth, and a slow growth rate that does not usually cause death unless it impairs vital organ function.

Malignant Tumor

An invasive tumor characterized by uncontrolled growth, alterations in the cell membrane, tumor-specific antigens, and the potential for metastasis and mortality.

Carcinogenesis

The multi-step process by which normal cells are transformed into cancer cells (also called tumorigenesis), involving initial genetic damage, promotion, and progression.

Metastasis

The development of a secondary tumor distant from the primary tumor site, spreading via blood vessels or lymph nodes.

CAUTION Mnemonic

An acronym for early cancer warning signs: Change in bowel/bladder habits, An unhealing sore, Unusual bleeding, Thickening lump, Indigestion, Obvious change in size of wart/mole, and Nagging cough.

Tumor Markers

Proteins, antigens, hormones, genes, or enzymes released by cancer cells into the blood, such as Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), used for cancer diagnosis and monitoring.

TNM Classification System

A staging system that evaluates Primary Tumor size/extent (T), Regional Lymph Node involvement (N), and Distant Metastasis (M).

Tumor Grading

Classification based on cellular differentiation, ranging from Grade I (differentiated cells closely resembling tissue of origin) to Grade IV (undifferentiated cells with little resemblance to tissue of origin).

Salvage Surgery

Surgical procedure performed after initial cancer treatments to remove residual cancer tissue and potentially cure the disease (e.g., prostatectomy).

Prophylactic Surgery

Preventative surgery performed based on genetic predisposition or family history to prevent cancer development (e.g., mastectomy).

Brachytherapy

Internal radiation therapy utilizing interstitial or intracavitary radioactive implants directly at or near the tumor site.

Unsealed Brachytherapy

Systemic internal radiation (oral, IV, or body cavity) where both the client and their body fluids emit radiation for 24 to 48 hours.

Sealed Brachytherapy

Internal radiation therapy using temporary or permanent implants (e.g., seeds, rods) where the client emits radiation but body fluids are NOT radioactive.

Radiation Safety Principles

The three key safety factors used to minimize exposure: limiting Time of exposure, maintaining Distance from the source, and utilizing lead-lined Shielding.

Vesicants

Chemotherapy agents (e.g., cisplatin, doxorubicin, vincristine) that cause severe tissue damage, severe pain, and necrosis if extravasation occurs.

Extravasation

The inadvertent leakage of vesicant or irritant medication from a vein into surrounding soft tissue.

Alkylating Agents

Non-cell cycle specific antineoplastic drugs that interfere with cell DNA and inhibit cancer growth, primarily used for slow-growing cancers.

Antimetabolites

S Phase specific chemotherapy drugs (e.g., methotrexate) that substitute for essential molecules needed for DNA replication, impacting rapidly dividing cells.

Antineoplastic Antibiotics

S Phase specific chemotherapeutic agents (e.g., bleomycin) that directly kill malignant cancer cells.

Mitotic Inhibitors

M Phase specific chemotherapy drugs (e.g., vincristine, vinblastine) that prevent cell division by stopping mitosis in rapidly dividing cells.

Hormone Modulators

Cancer drugs (e.g., tamoxifen, Lupron) that block hormone receptors on cancer cells or block the release of gonadotropic hormones.

Myelosuppression

Depression of bone marrow function caused by radiation or chemotherapy, resulting in reduced counts of WBCs (leukopenia), granulocytes (neutropenia), RBCs (anemia), and platelets (thrombocytopenia).

Filgrastim (Neupogen)

A colony-stimulating factor administered to stimulate white blood cell production and reduce the risk of infection from myelosuppression.

Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS)

A life-threatening condition caused by rapid destruction of cancer cells releasing intracellular contents into the bloodstream, requiring aggressive hydration and monitoring of uric acid, renal function, and electrolytes.

Neutropenic Precautions

Infection control measures enforced when ANC is reduced, including private room placement, hand hygiene, avoidance of raw fruits/vegetables, no live plants/flowers, and N95 masks for client transport.

Autologous Stem Cell Transplant

A procedure where a patient's own stem cells are harvested, frozen, and reinfused after high-dose treatment, eliminating the need for post-transplant immunosuppressants.

Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant

A stem cell transplant using cells from a matched donor, which carries a risk of Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD).

Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD)

A complication following allogeneic stem cell transplantation where donor immune cells attack the recipient's tissue, presenting with skin rash, jaundice, and diarrhea.

Syngeneic Stem Cell Transplant

A stem cell transplant using cells from an identical twin with identical tissue type, eliminating the risk of GVHD.

Palliative Care

Interdisciplinary care focused on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life at any stage of a serious illness, provided alongside curative treatments.

Hospice Care

End-of-life comfort care initiated when curative treatments have stopped and life expectancy is estimated at $6$ months or less.