Oncologic Nursing Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering concepts, definitions, diagnostics, surgical treatments, radiation protocols, chemotherapeutic classes, side effects, and cancer types from the Oncologic Nursing lecture module.

Cancer

A disease process that begins when an abnormal cell is transformed by the genetic mutation of cellular DNA.

Surgical Oncology

Branch of medicine that uses manual and instrumental means to deal with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Neoplasm

New growth characterized by uncontrolled cellular growth that follows no physiologic demand.

Benign Tumor

A non-cancerous mass characterized by normal cell structure, slow and expanding growth, absence of metastasis, well-differentiated cells, presence of encapsulation, and a good prognosis.

Malignant Tumor

A cancerous mass characterized by abnormal cell structure, fast and infiltrating growth, presence of metastasis, poorly differentiated cells, lack of encapsulation, and a poor prognosis.

Grading

Classification of tumor cells that defines the type of tissue of origin and the degree to which tumor cells retain functional and histologic characteristics of that tissue.

Staging

Process that determines the size of the primary tumor as well as the existence of local invasion and distant metastasis.

TNM System

A cancer staging system that assesses primary tumor extent (T), lymph node involvement (N), and extent of distant metastasis (M).

Cellular Transformation Theory

Theory stating that normal cells become cancer cells due to exposure to chemicals.

Failure of Immune Response Theory

Theory attributing cancer development to the immune system's failure to recognize and destroy cancer cells.

Initiation (Carcinogenesis)

First phase of cancer development in which carcinogens escape normal enzymatic mechanisms and alter the general structure of cellular DNA.

Promotion (Carcinogenesis)

Stage of cancer development where repeated exposure to promoting agents causes the expression of abnormal or mutant genetic information.

Progression (Carcinogenesis)

Final stage of carcinogenesis in which altered cells exhibit increased malignant behavior, invade adjacent tissues, and metastasize.

Tumor Marker Identification

Diagnostic test analyzing substances found in body tissues, blood, or body fluids that are produced by a tumor.

Fluoroscopy

Diagnostic imaging technique utilizing X-rays to identify contrasts in body tissue, used for skeletal, lung, and GI cancers.

Biopsy

Procedure of obtaining a tissue sample for microscopic analysis of cellular structure.

Local Excision

Surgical procedure involving the removal of a tumor mass along with a small margin of normal tissue.

Radical Excision

Surgical removal of the primary tumor, regional lymph nodes, and adjacent surrounding tissues.

Electrosurgery

Surgical approach that uses electrical energy or current to destroy or remove tumor tissue.

Cryosurgery

Surgical technique that uses liquid nitrogen or a cold probe to freeze tissue and induce cellular destruction.

External Radiation (Teletherapy)

Radiation therapy using X-rays directed from a source positioned far from the client; the client is not radioactive.

Internal Radiation (Brachytherapy)

Delivery of a high dose of radiation to a localized area via an implanted radiation source; the client emits radiation during treatment.

Sealed Brachytherapy

Internal radiation method where the radiation source remains enclosed within implants (needles, seeds, catheter); body fluids are not radioactive.

Unsealed Brachytherapy

Internal radiation where the radioactive substance is absorbed systemically (IV or oral Iodine 131); body fluids are radioactive.

Radiation Precautions (STD)

Safety rules for internal radiation consisting of Shielding (lead gown and dosimeter badge), Time (maximum $30\text{ minutes}$ per shift, $5\text{ minutes}$ per visit), and Distance (maintain $6\text{ feet}$ away).

Cell Cycle Specific Drugs

Chemotherapeutic agents that exert their therapeutic effect exclusively during a specific phase of the cell cycle.

Mitotic Inhibitors

Cell cycle specific drugs that arrest cell division during metaphase by inhibiting mitotic tubular formation.

Cell Cycle Non-Specific Drugs

Chemotherapeutic agents that affect tumor cells across all phases of the cell cycle.

Alkylating Agents

Cell cycle non-specific drugs that break the DNA helix to interfere with DNA replication.

Nitrosoureas

Cell cycle non-specific agents similar to alkylating agents that possess the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Stomatitis

Inflammatory mouth sores occurring as a common side effect of chemotherapy.

Xerostomia

Dryness of the mouth resulting from reduced salivary flow caused by cancer therapies.

Neutropenic Diet

Dietary restriction prohibiting fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and raw food to minimize infection risk in immunocompromised clients.

Acholic Stools

Clay-colored stools caused by lack of bile flow, commonly observed in pancreatic cancer.

Whipple Procedure

Pancreaticoduodenectomy involving surgical removal of the gallbladder, common bile duct, part of the duodenum, and the head of the pancreas.

Mile's Procedure

Surgical resection of a colorectal tumor along with a portion of the sigmoid colon, all of the rectum, and the anal sphincter.

Normal Stoma Appearance

A healthy postoperative intestinal stoma that appears red and protrudes approximately $\frac{1}{2}\text{ inch}$.

Colostomy Irrigation Technique

Procedure involving insertion of a lubricated catheter $2\text{ to }4\text{ inches}$ into the stoma, hanging fluid $12\text{ to }18\text{ inches}$ above the stoma, and instilling $200\text{ mL}$ of warm normal saline.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

The most common form of skin cancer that rarely metastasizes and carries a good prognosis.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

A form of skin cancer arising from epidermal cells that retains potential to metastasize.

Malignant Melanoma

The deadliest and 3rd most common skin cancer, originating from birthmarks or moles anywhere on the body.