Cancer Staging and Types Overview

Study Notes

Stages of Cancer

T1,2,3 tumor size: Measures the size of the tumor.
N- Lymph nodes involved (N-1,2,3): Indicates whether lymph nodes are affected by the cancer.
M-metastasis (spread) (M-1,2): Indicates if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Stage 4 t3 n3 m1: An advanced stage of cancer, where the tumor is large, lymph nodes are affected, and the cancer has spread.

Skin Cancer

Malignant melanoma: A dangerous form of skin cancer arising from melanocytes in the basement membrane.

Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer: Cancer of the inner lining of the stomach.
Risk Factors (R/F):
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection causing ulcers.
Untreated ulcers.
Smoking.
Consumption of lean meats and alcohol.

Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy: A procedure to examine the stomach and check for issues and size.
Treatment: Gastrectomy (partial stomach removal), chemotherapy, and radiation may be used.
Dumping Syndrome: A potential side effect of gastrectomy, resulting in digestive issues. Managing this involves eating small, frequent meals.

Other Cancer Considerations

Anorexia: Loss of appetite, an early sign of various cancers.
Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of some cancers.
Changes in Bowels: Changes in bowel habits.
Unexplained Epigastric Pain: Pain in the upper abdomen, could indicate some cancers.
Ovarian Cancer: Cancer originating in cells of the ovaries.

Other Medical Conditions

Esophageal Cancer: Cancer of the esophagus, often linked to high alcohol consumption.
Liver Cancer: A poor prognosis cancer with ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen) as a possible clinical manifestation.. Diagnosis includes ammonia level testing.
Cirrhosis: End-stage liver disease, with healthy liver tissue replaced by scar tissue.
Hepatic Encephalopathy: Brain disorder caused by liver disease, leading to toxin buildup.
Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin, caused by bile accumulation.
Rhabdomyolysis: A muscle breakdown condition, a complication of compression injuries.
Compartment Syndrome: Increased pressure in a confined body area.
Hepatitis A, B, C: Infections; potential causes of liver disease.
Acute Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas.
Pancreatic Cancer: Poor prognosis cancer often not diagnosed until it has spread. Symptoms include asymptomatics, weight loss, and abdomen pain but can have multiple symptoms.
Diabetes and Pancreatitis History: Risk factors in pancreatic cancer.
Fractures and Blood Clots: Risk of blood clots is higher with fractures leading to a need for medical attention if dyspnea occurs.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): Severe insulin insufficiency, common in type 1 diabetes. Symptoms include fruity breath and rapid breathing.
Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Risk factor for some cancers. Treatment involves chemo, radiation, and surgery.
Leukemia: Cancer of the bone marrow leading to premature white blood cell overproduction.
Neutropenic Patients: Patients with low neutrophil levels, requiring careful considerations for procedures and treatments.
Lymphoma: Cancer of the lymph nodes
Pericardial Effusion: Fluid accumulation around the heart needing pericardialcentesis
Bladder Cancer: Cancer arising in the bladder.
Breast Cancer: Cancer arising in breast tissue. Risk factors include age and family history. Dx includes mammograms, MRIs, and ultrasounds.
Prostate Cancer: Cancer affecting cells in the prostate.
Ovarian, cervical, uterine cancer: Cancer affecting the reproductive organs with heavy irregular menstrual cycles as a risk.
Vocabulary: Key terms to know include Anaplasia, Apoptosis, Metastasis.
Skin Cancer Prevention: Sunscreen is a primary prevention method.
Other conditions: Crohn's disease, Ulcerative colitis, Esophageal cancer are discussed, along with related symptoms and risk factors.