Pathophysiology Exam #4 - Gastrointestinal Cancers and Neuro Conditions

A set of detailed vocabulary flashcards for review of key concepts in gastrointestinal cancers, neuro conditions, hematology, and related symptoms, risks, and definitions.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Most common type of oral cancer.

Risk factors for Oral Cancer

Tobacco, alcohol, HPV, sun exposure to lips.

Symptoms of Esophageal Cancer

Progressive dysphagia, weight loss, chest pain.

Adenocarcinoma

A type of esophageal cancer that occurs in the lower part.

Barrett's Esophagus

Condition leading to adenocarcinoma due to GERD.

Symptoms of Stomach Cancer

Early satiety, weight loss, vague pain, anemia, occult GI bleed.

Risks for Liver Cancer

Hepatitis B/C, alcoholic cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Symptoms of Liver Cancer

RUQ pain, weight loss, ascites, jaundice.

Colon Cancer

Most commonly caused by adenocarcinoma from polyps.

Risk Factors for Colon Cancer

Family history, IBD, high-fat diet, smoking, obesity.

Symptoms of Right-sided Colon Cancer

Change in bowel habits, blood in stool, anemia.

Symptoms of Left-sided Colon Cancer

Obstruction and change in bowel habits.

Ischemic Stroke

The most common type of stroke, caused by thrombus or embolus.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

The most fatal type of stroke caused by HTN rupture or aneurysm.

Symptoms of Right Stroke

Left-side weakness, impulsive behavior, poor judgment.

Symptoms of Left Stroke

Right-side weakness, aphasia, cautious behavior.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

Mini-stroke with symptoms resolving in less than 24 hours.

Cerebral Aneurysm Risk Factors

HTN, smoking, genetics, polycystic kidney disease.

Symptoms of Aneurysm Rupture

Sudden severe headache, stiff neck, photophobia.

Types of Seizures

Focal/partial and generalized seizures.

Postictal Period

State of confusion, fatigue, and drowsiness after a seizure.

Epilepsy

A chronic neurological disorder of recurrent, unprovoked seizures.

Status Epilepticus

Seizure lasting more than 5 minutes or multiple seizures without recovery.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Autoimmune demyelination in the CNS, causing vision problems and fatigue.

ALS

Progressive motor neuron death resulting in weakness and muscle wasting.

Myasthenia Gravis

Autoimmune destruction of acetylcholine receptors causing muscle weakness.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Ascending paralysis after infection with a risk of respiratory failure.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

Severe facial pain triggered by touch or chewing.

Bell's Palsy

Sudden unilateral facial paralysis affecting cranial nerve VII.

Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms

Memory loss, confusion, personality changes, wandering.

Pathological Characteristics of Alzheimer's

Amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, brain atrophy.

Meningitis Symptoms

Stiff neck, fever, headache due to infection of the meninges.

Encephalitis Symptoms

Altered mental status due to infection of brain tissue.

Concussion

A mild traumatic brain injury with symptoms like headache and confusion.

Cerebral Contusion

A bruise on the brain resulting from impact.

Skull Fracture Risk

Basilar skull fractures have a high infection risk.

Types of Hematomas

Epidural (arterial bleed) and subdural (venous bleed).

Spinal Cord Injury Breathing Levels

C3, C4, C5 keep the diaphragm alive.

Complete vs Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Complete has no motor/sensory function below the injury; incomplete retains some function.

Autonomic Dysreflexia

Occurs with T6 and above, causing severe hypertension and headache.

Types of Paralysis

Quadriplegia (all limbs), paraplegia (legs only), hemiplegia (one side of body).

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Most common anemia characterized by fatigue and pallor.

Pernicious Anemia

B12 deficiency due to lack of intrinsic factor.

Aplastic Anemia

Bone marrow failure leading to pancytopenia.

Hemolytic Anemia Symptoms

Jaundice and dark urine due to RBC destruction.

Sickle Cell Anemia

Genetic condition causing sickled cells that lead to pain crises.

Polycythemia Vera

Condition with too many RBCs causing ruddy face and clot risk.

Leukocytosis

High WBC count occurring during infection or inflammation.

Leukocytopenia

Low WBC count increasing infection risk.

Pancytopenia

Low levels of RBCs, WBCs, and platelets.

Thrombocytosis

High platelet count increasing the risk of clotting.

Thrombocytopenia

Low platelet count causing bleeding and bruising.

Hemoglobin

Protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells.

Hematocrit

Percentage of blood volume made of red blood cells.

Intracellular Electrolytes

High potassium (K+) and magnesium (Mg+).

Extracellular Electrolytes

High sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-).

Isotonic IV Solutions

Normal saline (NS) and lactated Ringer's (LR) for hydration.

Hypotonic IV Solution

0.45%NS for shifting water into cells.

Hypertonic IV Solution

3% NS for cerebral edema and severe hyponatremia.

Normal Sodium Levels

135–145 mEq/L.

Normal Potassium Levels

3.5–5.0 mEq/L.

Normal Calcium Levels

8.5–10.5 mg/dL.

Normal Magnesium Levels

1.3–2.1 mg/dL.

Normal Chloride Levels

95–105 mEq/L.

Normal Phosphorus Levels

2.5–4.5 mg/dL.