Oncology and Chemotherapy Review Flashcards

Flashcards created to review key concepts in oncology, chemotherapy, and related topics based on lecture notes.

Oncology

The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer.

Tumor

A mass of cells that arises because of uncontrolled growth.

Neoplasm

An abnormal mass of tissue where the growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal tissues.

Benign

A lump of cells that stay in one place and resemble normal cells; usually not dangerous unless they grow too large.

Malignant

Cancerous cells that do not look normal and can spread to other parts of the body.

Radiation Therapy

A treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells, often causing side effects like fatigue, hair loss, and skin changes.

Palliative Care

Medical care aimed at providing relief from symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients with serious illness.

Chemotherapy

A type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill rapidly reproducing cancer cells.

Mucositis

An inflammation of the mucous membranes in the gastrointestinal tract, which can result in mouth sores.

Myelosuppression

A decrease in bone marrow activity, resulting in reduced production of blood cells.

CAUTION - Cancer Warning Signs

Changes in bowel or bladder habits, any sore that does not heal, unusual bleeding or discharge, thickening or lump in breasts, indigestion, change in warts or moles, nagging cough.

Mastectomy

Surgical removal of one or both breasts, usually to treat or prevent breast cancer.

Lymphedema

Swelling that occurs when lymph fluid does not drain properly, often seen after removal of lymph nodes.

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, a blood-borne pathogen that can progress to AIDS.

Kaposi's Sarcoma

A type of cancer that causes red or purple lesions, associated with advanced HIV/AIDS.