M1 Oncology-Cancer

Benign tumor cells

Normal cells growing at the wrong time or wrong location.

Benign tumor examples

Moles, uterine fibroids, skin tags, nasal polyps, and endometriosis.

Malignant cell adherence

Loose adherence, allowing cells to easily break off and migrate.

Primary tumor

The original tumor identified by its parent tissue.

Secondary tumor

Metastasized cells that have moved from the primary location.

Carcinoma

Cancer originating in epithelial cells (skin, mouth, breasts, lungs).

Sarcoma

Cancer of bone, muscle, or connective tissue.

Leukemia

Cancer of blood-forming organs.

Lymphoma

Cancer of infection-fighting organs.

Initiation (Carcinogenesis)

Loss of cellular regulation due to damaged cellular DNA.

Promotion (Carcinogenesis)

The stage of enhanced growth of initiated cells.

Progression (Carcinogenesis)

Further tumor growth; detection requires at least 1 billion cells.

Cancer Grading

Compares the cancer cell with its parent cell from low to high.

Ploidy

Description of cancer cells by chromosome number and appearance.

Cancer Staging

Determines exact location of cancer and whether metastasis has occurred.

TNM Classification

Staging system based on Tumor size, lymph Nodes, and Metastasis.

Oncoviruses

Viruses that cause cancer, such as Hepatitis B, C, and HPV.

Primary cancer prevention

Avoiding carcinogens, modifying risk factors, removing at-risk tissue, and vaccination.

Secondary cancer prevention

Regular screening to detect cancer early (e.g., mammography, colonoscopy).

BRCA1 negative understanding

The client must still continue performing monthly breast self-examinations.

Oncologic emergencies (neurologic/metabolic)

Spinal cord compression and hypercalcemia.

Photodynamic therapy

Selective destruction of cancer cells using high-energy laser light.

Teletherapy

External beam radiation; the patient is not radioactive.

Brachytherapy

Internal radiation; the patient is radioactive and hazardous to others.

Brachytherapy visitor limit

Limit visitors to 30 minutes per day and at least 6 feet away.

Chemotherapy PPE

Eye protection, masks, gown, and double gloves or chemo gloves.

Extravasation of vesicants

Infiltration of chemicals that damage tissue on direct contact.

Nadir

The period when bone marrow activity and WBCs are at their lowest.

Neutropenic precautions

Private room, strict handwashing, individual supplies, and limited visitors.

Thrombocytopenia precautions

Avoid IM injections, monitor for occult blood, and use electric razors.

Mucositis management

Ice water, ice chips, and frequent oral hygiene.

Monoclonal antibodies action

Bind to specific surface proteins to prevent cell division.

Chemo patient with 100.5°F (38.6°C) temp

Go to the nearest emergency room for a full infection workup.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

An oncologic emergency involving extensive abnormal clotting.

SIADH in cancer

Excess water reabsorption causing dangerous hyponatremia.

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS)

Release of intracellular contents faster than the body can eliminate them.

TLS occurrence in leukemia

Greatest risk occurs after the first cycle of chemotherapy.

Expected hair regrowth post-chemo

Regrowth usually begins about 1 month after completing chemotherapy.

Most common breast radiation side effect

Fatigue.