Cellular Regulation Revised 2025 - Student

Cellular Regulation and Cancer Overview

• Key focus on breast cancer, colon cancer, and leukemia.

Normal Cellular Regulation

• Cells: Basic unit of life; Human body consists of ~75 trillion cells.

  • Cells vary in size, shape, and function; abnormalities can lead to disease.

Physiology Review

• Common cellular features:

  • Membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, organelles (ribosomes, ER, mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes).

Differentiation

• Normal process of specialization in cells over time.

• Adverse conditions can lead to mutations, turning cells into potential liabilities.

Cellular Alterations

• Types of alterations:

  • Hyperplasia: Increase in cell numbers.

  • Metaplasia: Change to a different cell type.

  • Dysplasia: Abnormal growth.

  • Anaplasia: Loss of differentiation, linked to cancer risk.

Neoplasms

• Neoplasms: Forming new tissue that grows independently, can be benign or malignant.

  • Benign: Localized, well-defined, generally harmless but can obstruct function.

  • Malignant: Aggressive, invasive, and metastatic; linked to high mortality.

Characteristics of Malignant Neoplasms

• Unregulated mitosis, lack of differentiation, abnormal structure.

• Key features include cancerous phenotype and potential for metastasis.

Tumor Invasion and Metastasis

• Mechanisms of metastasis: follow circulation paths; common sites include lymph nodes, liver, lungs, bones, and brain.

• 50-60% of cancers metastasize before primary tumor diagnosis.

Prevalence

• Over 16.9 million people in the U.S. living with cancer.

• Estimated lifetime cancer diagnosis rates: 40.1% in males and 38.7% in females.

Risk Factors and Prevention

• Risk Factors: Include heredity, age, gender, lifestyle choices, and exposure to carcinogens.

• Prevention: Healthy lifestyle choices focused on diet, exercise, and regular screenings.

Screening Recommendations for Cancer

• Specific age guidelines for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings.

Clinical Manifestations

• Symptoms ranging from disruptions in physiological functions, anemia, pain, and oncologic emergencies.

Diagnostic Tests

• Protocols for grading, staging, and various imaging techniques.

• Use of tumor markers to monitor disease progression.

Cancer Treatment Options

• Types: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and newer therapies like CAR T-cell therapy.

Nursing Process and Care

• Assessment includes regular monitoring and education on treatment options.

• Support coping mechanisms during treatment.

Interdisciplinary Team Approach

• Collaborative care involving various health professionals to support patient treatment and recovery.