Gastrointestinal Cancers and Disorders Lecture Review

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers key terminology, diagnostic procedures, surgical interventions, and pharmacological considerations for cancers and disorders of the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, and colon.

Leukoplakia

White patches or limitation within the oral mucosa that may indicate early clinical manifestations of oral cancer.

Erythroplakia

Red patches seen in the oral cavity that are clinical manifestations to follow for oral cancer.

Biopsy

The only definitive method to confirm a diagnosis of oral, esophageal, or colon cancer.

Partial Mandiblectomy

A surgical procedure involving the removal of a part of the mandible containing a tumor.

Glossectomy

The surgical removal of the tongue.

Barrett's Esophagus

A condition resulting from constant irritation and inflammation of the esophageal mucosa due to gastric content regurgitation, which can lead to esophageal cancer.

Achalasia

A condition where gastric contents do not move correctly from the stomach, leading to irritation and serving as a risk factor for esophageal cancer.

Dysphagia

Difficulty in swallowing, which in esophageal cancer is often described as progressive, moving from solids to liquids.

T1 N0 M0

A tumor status indicating the tumor is localized (T1) and has not spread to lymph nodes (N0) or other parts of the body (M0).

Ablation

A procedure used to reduce the size of a cancer growth or narrow the esophagus to help the patient breathe or eat better.

Anastomosis

The surgical connection between two structures, such as suturing the stomach to the remaining part of the esophagus.

Parenteral Fluids

Nutritional support or fluids administered through an IV (Intravenous) system.

Enteral Nutrition

Nutrition provided through the gastrointestinal system, such as through a tube into the stomach or jejunum.

Inogenicity Tube

A feeding tube (also known as a jejunostomy tube) placed in the jejunum for nutrient absorption, used when the upper GI tract needs to be bypassed.

Atrophic Gastritis

Inflammation inside the stomach that affects the gastric glands and serves as a risk factor for stomach cancer.

Ascites

A distended abdomen caused by fluid buildup, often seen in late stages of stomach cancer when it has metastasized to the liver.

Tumor Markers

Special proteins released from tumor cells into the blood used to monitor the progression or vigor of the disease.

Low Anterior Resection (LAR)

A surgical approach for rectal cancer where part of the rectum is removed and the remaining part is sutured back to maintain normal bowel movement.

Melena

Tarry, black stool caused by gastrointestinal bleeding sitting with hydrochloric acid, typically indicating an upper GI bleed.

Hematochezia

Bright red blood in the stool, often indicating a lower GI bleed or hemorrhoids.

Esophageal Varices

Fragile, enlarged blood vessels in the esophagus caused by portal hypertension, which can lead to life-threatening bleeding.

Curling's Ulcer

A stress-related ulcer occurring in patients with extensive burns due to cell destruction and inflammatory response.

Cushing's Ulcer

A stress-related gastric ulcer associated with head trauma or brain injury.

H. pylori

A type of bacteria that can cause chronic gastritis and is tested for via serum, stool, or breath tests during endoscopy.

Pernicious Anemia

A condition resulting from vitamin B12 deficiency, often occurring after a total gastrectomy or due to chronic gastritis, requiring lifelong supplement therapy.