Introduction to Cancer and Oncology Nursing

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, staging, diagnostic tests, treatments, and clinical concepts from the introductory cancer lecture.

Cancer

A condition occurring when cellular DNA becomes mutated, causing cells to multiply rapidly past their normal lifespan and produce useless, nonfunctional abnormal cells.

Metastases

The spread of cancer when abnormal cells travel via blood vessels or the lymphatic system to form a new tumor somewhere else in the body.

Pernicious Anemia

An autoimmune disease where the body attacks stomach cells, preventing intrinsic factor production required for B12 absorption in the small intestine, leading to decreased red blood cell production.

SPF

Stands for Sun Protection Factor; a rating indicating how many times longer it takes to receive a sunburn compared to unprotected skin.

PSA

Stands for Prostate Specific Antigen; a blood test used for prostate screening that is more accurate than a digital rectal exam.

TRUS

Transrectal ultrasound; a procedure where a probe is inserted into the rectum to view the prostate and potentially perform a biopsy when a patient has an elevated PSA.

Stage 1 Cancer

A stage of cancer characterized by no spread to lymph nodes, other areas, or other tissues.

Stage 2 Cancer

Localized cancer stage characterized by spread to lymph nodes that are closest to the original mass.

Stage 3 Cancer

A stage of cancer where cellular spread is beginning to reach distant lymph nodes.

Stage 4 Cancer

A stage of cancer where cells have traveled via lymph nodes or blood vessels to produce secondary tumors beyond where the cancer originally started.

TNM Staging

A system used to stage cancer based on T (tumor size rated $0$ to $3$), N (node involvement rated $0$ to $3$), and M (metastases).

Chemotherapy

A non-specific cancer treatment that targets and destroys rapidly dividing cells throughout the body.

Immunotherapy

A treatment method designed to boost the body's immune system to help detect and clear abnormal cells.

Neutropenia

A condition characterized by an Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) of less than $1,500$.

ANC

Stands for Absolute Neutrophil Count; calculated by multiplying total white blood cell count by the sum of neutrophil percentage and band percentage, then dividing by $100$.

Stomatitis

Inflammation of the oral mucosa that occurs when non-specific treatments like chemotherapy destroy rapidly dividing cells lining the inside of the mouth.