NUR 131 Medical-Surgical Nursing: Cancer Overview

A disease process whereby cells proliferate abnormally, ignoring growth-regulating signals in the environment surrounding the cell.

Cancer that forms in epithelial cells that produce fluids or mucus. Most common: breast, colon, and prostate cancer.

Cancer that begins in the lower or basal (base) layer of the epidermis. Ex: skin cancer. It is more treatable than adenocarcinoma if there is no progression of cancer yet.

Cancer that forms in squamous cells, which are epithelial cells that lie just beneath the outer surface of the skin. Ex: tongue, stomach, intestine, bladder, kidney.

Cancer that forms in a type of epithelial tissue called transitional epithelium or urothelium. Most commonly found in organs that expand.

The depletion of genetic material

Manifestation of SOB & problem in output of patient because of the damage in the renal tubules.

They are formed by epithelial cells.

A type of tissue growth where cells grow by expansion and do not infiltrate surrounding tissues. It usually remains encapsulated.

A type of tissue growth where cells grow at the periphery and infiltrate surrounding tissues, destroying them.

When a tumor does not spread to other parts of the body.

When a tumor gains access to blood and lymphatic channels, spreading to other parts of the body.

Excessive cell division leading to a larger than normal number of cells. Often localized with effects such as hand calluses.

An abnormal type of excessive cell proliferation characterized by loss of normal tissue arrangement and cell structure. Cells can revert back to normal behavior, but sometimes become malignant.

Fast-growing cells seen in skin, nails, and hair due to their access to nutrients and blood vessels.

Causes localized effects, meaning the impact only affects the immediate area of the tumor.

Genes that, when damaged, can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and potentially cancer development.

The precursor of cancer cells. They promote the growth of cancer cells, thus increasing the risk of cancer.

A condition that increases the likelihood of developing cancer.

A condition where the normal growth control pathway is disrupted, leading to abnormal cell growth.

A condition that increases the risk of developing retinoblastoma, a type of eye cancer.

A condition that increases the risk of developing skin cancer.

A condition that increases the risk of developing kidney cancer.

A condition that increases the risk of developing various cancers, including sarcomas, brain tumors, breast cancer, and leukemia.

A unpleasant sensory and emotional experience arising from actual or potential tissue damage or described in terms of such damage.

Provide information to patients and SO about what to expect from treatments like surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, biotherapy.

Use of non-pharmacological measures like massage, repositioning, backrubs, and diversional activities such as music, television, etc., to provide comfort to patients.

Encourage stress management practices like relaxation techniques, visualization, guided imagery, biofeedback, laughter, music, aromatherapy, and therapeutic touch.

Provide cutaneous stimulation, such as heat or cold, or massage to soothe and comfort patients.

Be aware of factors that might hinder effective cancer pain management, both within the patient and the healthcare system.

Evaluate the effectiveness of pain relief and control at regular intervals, and adjust the medication regimen as needed.

Rapid cell division leads to faster metabolism in cancer patients.

Symptoms that are restricted to the primary cancer site. Examples include lumps, swelling, bleeding, ulceration, and pain. Initial swelling is often painless.

Symptoms that occur when cancer spreads to other parts of the body.

Symptoms that are a result of the cancer's effects on the body, but aren't caused by direct tumor growth or spread.

Swollen lymph nodes, often a sign of cancer spread.

An enlarged liver, often a sign of cancer spread.

An enlarged spleen, often a sign of cancer spread.

Pain or bone fractures caused by cancer spreading to the bones.

A change in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea, is a common sign of colon cancer.

Changes in bladder habits, like needing to urinate more frequently or having difficulty emptying the bladder, can signal bladder or prostate cancer.

A sore that doesn't heal can be a sign of cancer as tumor growth disrupts blood flow and oxygen to the area.

Unusual bleeding or discharge, often related to impaired blood flow and oxygenation, can be a sign of cancer. It can occur due to tissue damage, ulceration, or erosion of capillaries.

Mutations in oncogenes can contribute to cancer by promoting uncontrolled cell growth. These genes act like 'accelerators' for cell division.

Mutations in tumor suppressor genes can lead to cancer by removing the brakes on cell growth, allowing abnormal cells to proliferate unchecked.

Mutations in DNA repair genes can increase the risk of cancer by making cells more susceptible to DNA damage and errors during cell division.

Mutations in cell cycle checkpoint genes can lead to cancer by allowing damaged cells to bypass checkpoints and continue dividing, increasing the accumulation of genetic errors.