(part 3) Cancer screening

Why must CA-125 results be interpreted cautiously in ovarian cancer evaluation? 🚨

CA-125 reflects cancer activity, not cancer type.

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Elevations do not confirm ovarian cancer without further evaluation.

What symptoms should prompt further evaluation for possible ovarian cancer? 🚨

Persistent or constant pelvic or abdominal pain.

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New bloating or abdominal enlargement.

Why is routine gynecologic evaluation especially important in high-risk patients? 📋

Ovarian cancer often presents late due to vague early symptoms.

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Early detection relies on symptom recognition and follow-up.

What surgical outcome must patients be prepared for when treated for ovarian cancer? 💉

Forced menopause following ovarian removal.

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Patients may require counseling on hormone replacement needs.

What chemotherapy education should nurses prioritize for ovarian cancer patients? 💊

General side effects common across chemotherapy agents.

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Importance of follow-up care and long-term surveillance.

What role do nurses play in patient decision-making for cancer risk reduction? 💬

Support informed choices regarding hormonal contraception.

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Discuss individualized risk-reduction strategies.

When should genetic counseling or testing be encouraged in gynecologic cancer care? 🧠

When hereditary cancer risk is suspected.

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Especially in patients with strong family history or known syndromes.

What is a key clinical pearl about CA-125 testing? 🔬

It detects cancer activity rather than a specific cancer type.

Why is ovarian cancer frequently diagnosed at mid-to-late stages? 🚨

There is no reliable screening test.

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Early symptoms are minimal or nonspecific.

What pain pattern change is concerning for ovarian cancer progression? 🚨

Pain that shifts from cyclic to constant.

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Indicates potential disease advancement.

Why is hormonal prevention described as a “double-edged sword” in ovarian cancer? 🧠

Short-term hormone use may be protective.

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Long-term or inappropriate use can increase cancer risk.

Why must patients meet strict criteria for targeted cancer therapies? 💊

These therapies act on specific tumor mechanisms.

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Not all patients are eligible.

What is the primary hormonal risk factor for endometrial cancer? 🧠

Unopposed estrogen exposure.

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Estrogen without adequate progesterone increases risk.

Which scenarios increase the risk of endometrial cancer due to hormonal imbalance? 🚨

Oral estrogen therapy without progesterone.

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Perimenopausal hormone mismanagement.

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Lynch syndrome, infertility treatments, and tamoxifen use.

Which estrogen therapies are NOT associated with increased endometrial cancer risk? 🧠

Topical estrogen.

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Intravaginal estrogen.

Why does tamoxifen increase endometrial cancer risk? 🚨

It alters the estrogen–progesterone balance.

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Requires routine gynecologic surveillance.

What is the earliest clinical manifestation of endometrial cancer? 🚨

Abnormal, heavy uterine bleeding.

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Often includes large clots and frequent pad changes.

How do endometrial cancer symptoms progress over time? 🧠

Mid-stage: increased bleeding frequency.

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Late-stage: severe, constant pelvic pain.

What diagnostic tests confirm endometrial cancer? 🔬

Endometrial biopsy using a suction curette.

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Colposcopy and evaluation of thickened uterine lining.

Why is endometrial ablation not a curative treatment for endometrial cancer? 🚨

Cancer invades uterine tissue, not just the lining.

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Ablation does not remove malignant tissue.

What treatments are commonly used for endometrial cancer? 💉

Hysterectomy.

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Chemotherapy.

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Post-hysterectomy radiation therapy.

What complications should nurses monitor for after pelvic radiation therapy? 🚨

Bladder dysfunction.

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Bowel changes due to radiation exposure.

What key hormone education should nurses reinforce to prevent endometrial cancer? 💬

Estrogen therapy requires progesterone protection.

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Hormonal regimens must be carefully balanced.

What surveillance is required for patients taking tamoxifen? 🚨

Regular gynecologic examinations.

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Early detection of endometrial changes.

What is the NCLEX priority regarding abnormal uterine bleeding? 🚨

Treat heavy or abnormal bleeding as an early cancer warning sign.

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Prompt evaluation is critical for early diagnosis.