Tumors of the Bone and Spinal Disorders

Flashcards covering bone tumors (types, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis) and common spinal conditions (lordosis, scoliosis, kyphosis), along with assessment techniques and nursing diagnoses.

Osteogenic sarcoma

A primary malignant bone tumor, most often seen in males ages 10-25, which is fast-growing, aggressive, and can metastasize via the bloodstream.

Osteochondroma

A benign bone tumor, most often seen in males ages 10-30, which may be a single or multiple tumor.

Bone Tumor Signs & Symptoms

Include spontaneous fractures, anemia, pain (especially with weight bearing), and edema and discoloration of the skin at the site.

Bone Tumor Diagnostic Tests

Include radiography studies, bone scan, bone biopsy, CBC, platelet count, serum protein levels, and serum alkaline phosphatase level.

Bone Tumor Treatment

Involves surgery (wide excision/resection, bone curettage, leg/arm amputation) and chemotherapy and radiation (to decrease tumor size or involvement before surgery, or for limb-salvage procedures).

Bone Tumor Prognosis

Survival rates with aggressive treatment are approximately 50% at 5 years.

Lordosis

An increase in the curve at the lumbar region of the spine.

Scoliosis

A lateral curvature of the spine.

Kyphosis

A rounding of the thoracic spine, leading to a hump-backed appearance.

Blanching Test (Capillary nail refill)

An assessment to signal circulation status by compressing a fingernail or toenail and noting how quickly the pink color returns to the nail bed (should be within 2 seconds).

Primary Bone Tumor

A tumor that originates directly in the bone.

Secondary Bone Tumor

A metastatic tumor that has spread to the bone from another location.

Benign Tumor

A non-cancerous growth that does not spread to other parts of the body.

Malignant Tumor

A cancerous growth that can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.