Understanding Cancer Development

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Questions and Answers

Uncontrolled cell growth, a hallmark of cancer, is primarily driven by disruptions in which two fundamental cellular processes?

  • DNA replication and protein synthesis
  • Cell proliferation and cell differentiation (correct)
  • Apoptosis and cellular respiration
  • Cellular communication and energy production

While cancer cells proliferate at a rate comparable to their normal counterparts, what is the key distinction in their proliferative behavior?

  • Cancer cells have a slower rate of proliferation but a longer lifespan.
  • Cancer cells are more sensitive to signals that induce cell cycle arrest.
  • Cancer cells proliferate indiscriminately and continuously, disregarding normal regulatory signals. (correct)
  • Cancer cells proliferate at an accelerated rate only in the presence of growth factors.

What is the consequence of defective cell differentiation in cancer development?

  • Enhanced cellular communication within tissues
  • Loss of normal specialized function and appearance of the cell (correct)
  • Increased efficiency in specialized cellular functions
  • Reduced rate of cell proliferation, limiting tumor growth

Proto-oncogenes are crucial for normal cellular function. What is their primary role in healthy cells?

<p>Regulating normal cell growth and differentiation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do oncogenes contribute to the development of cancer?

<p>By promoting uncontrolled cell growth and division (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Tumor suppressor genes play a vital role in preventing cancer. How do they typically function in normal cells?

<p>They regulate cell growth and prevent cells from going through the cell cycle when inappropriate. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of mutations in tumor suppressor genes in the context of cancer development?

<p>Loss of their tumor-suppressing action, leading to uncontrolled cell growth (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Carcinogens are agents that can cause cancer. What is the fundamental mechanism by which carcinogens initiate cancer development?

<p>By producing cell alterations, such as DNA mutations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Direct-reacting chemical carcinogens differ from procarcinogens in what key aspect?

<p>Direct-reacting carcinogens directly damage DNA without metabolic conversion, while procarcinogens require metabolic activation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of radiation is classified as a carcinogen and can cause cancer in almost any human tissue?

<p>Ultraviolet and ionizing radiation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Certain viruses are associated with an increased risk of specific cancers. Which of the following is a virus known to be linked to cancer development?

<p>Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cancers are classified based on several key characteristics. Which of the following is NOT a primary method for classifying cancer?

<p>Patient's age at diagnosis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Carcinomas are a major category of cancer. From which primary embryonic tissue layer do carcinomas originate?

<p>Endoderm and ectoderm (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Sarcomas are cancers originating from a different tissue type than carcinomas. From which embryonic tissue layer do sarcomas arise?

<p>Mesoderm (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Lymphomas and leukemias are cancers of the blood-forming system. From which system do they originate?

<p>Hematopoietic system (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Histologic grading of cancer provides information about the tumor. What does histologic grading primarily assess?

<p>The appearance of cancer cells and their degree of differentiation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In histologic grading, Grade I cancer cells are described as 'well differentiated'. What does 'well differentiated' imply in this context?

<p>Cells differ slightly from normal cells and retain many of their normal characteristics. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Grade IV histologic grading is characterized by 'anaplasia'. What does 'anaplasia' signify about cancer cells?

<p>Cells are immature, primitive, and undifferentiated, making cell origin difficult to determine. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Clinical staging of cancer focuses on the anatomic extent of the disease. What does 'cancer in situ' (Stage 0) indicate?

<p>Cancer cells are present only in the original location and have not invaded surrounding tissues. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In clinical staging, Stage IV cancer is defined by which characteristic?

<p>Metastasis to distant sites. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The TNM classification system is widely used for staging cancer. What does the 'N' component of the TNM system represent?

<p>Presence or absence of regional lymph node involvement (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which diagnostic procedure is considered the only definitive means of diagnosing cancer?

<p>Tissue biopsy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of cancer treatment when 'cure' is the objective?

<p>To eradicate the cancer completely. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In cancer treatment, 'control' is a goal when a cure is not achievable. What does 'control' primarily aim to accomplish?

<p>Prolongation of life and prevention of cancer progression. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of palliative cancer treatment?

<p>Relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with advanced cancer. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which cancer treatment modality involves the systemic administration of chemicals to kill cancer cells?

<p>Chemotherapy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does radiation therapy primarily work to treat cancer?

<p>By using energy to damage or destroy cancer cells' DNA. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment approach that leverages what system in the body to fight cancer?

<p>Immune system (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is primarily used to treat which type of cancers?

<p>Hematologic malignancies like leukemia and lymphoma. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Targeted therapy is a cancer treatment modality designed to interfere with specific aspects of cancer cell growth. What is the primary target of targeted therapy?

<p>Specific cell receptors and pathways important in tumor growth. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hormone therapy is an effective treatment for certain types of cancer. Which characteristic of cancer makes it suitable for hormone therapy?

<p>Cancer cells that are hormone-dependent. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Myelosuppression is a common side effect of cancer treatment. What does myelosuppression primarily affect in the body?

<p>Bone marrow function (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Neutropenia, a consequence of myelosuppression, specifically refers to a deficiency in which type of blood cell?

<p>Neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Thrombocytopenia, another result of myelosuppression, is characterized by a deficiency in which blood component?

<p>Platelets (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mucositis is a common side effect of cancer treatment. What part of the body does mucositis primarily affect?

<p>Mucous membranes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Anorexia is a common nutritional problem in cancer patients. What is anorexia in the context of cancer and its treatment?

<p>Loss of appetite or desire to eat. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential 'late effect' of cancer treatment, which can occur months or years after the treatment has concluded?

<p>Secondary cancers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cancer and its treatment can have significant psychosocial effects on patients. Which of the following is a common psychosocial effect experienced by cancer patients?

<p>Anxiety, fear, and depression (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In cancer nursing, what is a key responsibility related to cancer prevention?

<p>Educating patients and families about risk factors and early detection strategies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cancer survivorship is an increasingly important area in cancer care. What is a unique challenge faced by cancer survivors?

<p>Long-term side effects and fear of recurrence (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Cancer

Uncontrolled and unregulated cell growth leading to disease.

Cancer Development Dysfunctions

The two main issues are defective cell growth and specialization.

Protooncogenes

Normal genes regulating cell growth. Mutation leads to oncogenes

Oncogenes

Mutated protooncogenes that cause cancer.

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Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes that regulate cell growth and prevent cells from going through the cell cycle.

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Carcinogens

Cancer-causing agents producing cell alterations.

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Cancer Anatomic Site

Classifying cancers by tissue origin.

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Carcinomas

Cancers originating from embryonal ectoderm and endoderm.

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Sarcomas

Cancers originating from embryonal mesoderm.

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Lymphomas and Leukemias

Cancers originating from the hematopoietic system.

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Histologic Grading

Classifies cell appearance and differentiation degree.

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Stage 0 Cancer

Cancer confined to original location

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Stage I Cancer

Tumor limited to the tissue of origin; localized tumor growth.

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Stage III Cancer

Extensive local and regional spread of cancer.

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Stage IV Cancer

Cancer has spread to distant sites.

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TNM Classification

System used to determine the extent of disease.

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T in TNM

Tumor size and invasiveness.

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N in TNM

Presence/absence of spread to lymph nodes.

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M in TNM

Distant metastasis.

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Biopsy

Histologic exam of tissue to diagnose cancer.

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Cure (Cancer Treatment)

Eradicating the cancer.

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Control (Cancer Treatment)

Managing cancer when cure is not possible.

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Palliation

Relief of symptoms.

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Radiation Therapy

Using energy to damage or destroy cancer cells.

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Chemotherapy

Systemic chemicals to kill cancer cells.

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Immunotherapy

Using the immune system to fight cancer.

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Targeted Therapy

Targets specific cell receptors and pathways.

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Hormone Therapy

Effective in hormone-dependent cancers.

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Myelosuppression

Bone marrow suppression.

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Mucositis

Inflammation and ulceration of mucous membranes.

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Anorexia

Loss of appetite.

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Late Effects of Cancer Treatment

Secondary cancers, cognitive changes and cardiovascular and sexual dysfunction.

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Psychosocial Effects of Cancer

Anxiety, fear, depression and financial concerns.

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Cancer Nursing Responsibilities

Educating about prevention and detection strategies.

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Cancer Survivorship

Helping survivors manage long-term effects.

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Importance of Cancer Survivorship

An area of increasing significance in cancer nursing.

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Chemotherapy

The use of chemicals given systemically to kill cancer cells

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Targeted Therapy

Interferes with cancer growth by targeting specific cell receptors and pathways that are important in tumor growth

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Hormone Therapy

Effective in cancers that are hormone dependent, such as breast and prostate cancer

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Skin Reactions

Radiation therapy and some chemotherapy drugs

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Study Notes

  • Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled and unregulated cell growth.
  • It is the second most common cause of death in the United States.
  • Two main dysfunctions in cancer development are defective cell proliferation (growth) and defective cell differentiation.
  • Cancer cells proliferate indiscriminately and continuously, unlike normal cells.
  • Defective cell differentiation results in a loss of the normal specialized appearance and function of the cell.
  • Protooncogenes are normal genes that regulate cell growth and differentiation.
  • Oncogenes are mutated protooncogenes that can cause cancer.
  • Tumor suppressor genes regulate cell growth and prevent cells from progressing through the cell cycle
  • Mutations inactivating tumor suppressor genes lead to a loss of their tumor-suppressing action.
  • Carcinogens induce cell alterations and can cause cancer.
  • Chemical carcinogens can be direct-reacting or procarcinogens.
  • Radiation, including ultraviolet and ionizing radiation, can cause cancer in almost any human tissue.
  • Viruses like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and hepatitis B virus are associated with specific cancers.
  • Cancer classification is based on anatomic site, histology (grading), and extent of disease (staging).
  • Cancers are identified by their tissue of origin (anatomic site).
  • Carcinomas originate from embryonal ectoderm (skin, glands) and endoderm (mucous membrane linings of respiratory, GI, and genitourinary tracts).
  • Sarcomas originate from embryonal mesoderm (connective tissue, muscle, bone, and fat).
  • Lymphomas and leukemias originate from the hematopoietic system.
  • Histologic grading classifies cell appearance and differentiation degree.
  • Grade I: Cells differ slightly from normal (mild dysplasia) and are well differentiated.
  • Grade II: Cells are more abnormal (moderate dysplasia) and moderately differentiated.
  • Grade III: Cells are very abnormal (severe dysplasia) and poorly differentiated.
  • Grade IV: Cells are immature and primitive (anaplasia) and undifferentiated; cell origin is difficult to determine.
  • Clinical staging is based on the anatomic extent of the disease.
  • Stage 0: Cancer in situ.
  • Stage I: Tumor limited to the tissue of origin; localized tumor growth.
  • Stage II: Limited local spread.
  • Stage III: Extensive local and regional spread.
  • Stage IV: Metastasis.
  • The TNM classification system determines the anatomic extent of the disease.
  • T indicates tumor size and invasiveness.
  • N indicates the presence or absence of regional spread to the lymph nodes.
  • M indicates distant metastasis.
  • Cancer diagnosis relies on various diagnostic tests.
  • Health history and physical examination are important first steps.
  • Specific diagnostic tests include cytology studies, tissue biopsy, chest x-ray, complete blood count, liver function tests, endoscopic examinations, and radiologic studies.
  • Biopsy, involving histologic examination of tissue, is the only definitive means of diagnosing cancer.
  • Cancer treatment goals are cure, control, and palliation.
  • Cure-focused treatment aims to eradicate the cancer
  • Control-focused Treatment manages cancers that cannot be completely eradicated but respond to therapy.
  • Palliation-focused Treatment aims to relieve symptoms.
  • Four treatment modalities for cancer include: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
  • Surgery can be used for diagnosis, cure, control, palliation, rehabilitation, or prevention.
  • Radiation therapy uses energy to damage or destroy cancer cells.
  • Chemotherapy uses systemic chemicals to kill cancer cells.
  • Immunotherapy uses the immune system to fight cancer.
  • Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can be used to treat hematologic malignancies.
  • Targeted therapy interferes with cancer growth by targeting specific cell receptors and pathways.
  • Hormone therapy works for hormone-dependent cancers like breast and prostate cancer.
  • Cancer treatment has significant side effects.
  • Common side effects include myelosuppression, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, mucositis, anorexia, and skin reactions.
  • Myelosuppression can result in anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia.
  • Fatigue is a common side effect of cancer and cancer treatment.
  • Nausea and vomiting can result from chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and the cancer itself.
  • Mucositis is inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes.
  • Anorexia can be caused by cancer, cancer treatment, and psychosocial factors.
  • Skin reactions can occur with radiation therapy and some chemotherapy drugs.
  • Late and long-term effects of cancer treatment can occur months or years after treatment.
  • Examples of late effects include secondary cancers, cognitive changes, and cardiovascular and sexual dysfunction.
  • Cancer can cause psychosocial effects for patients and their families.
  • Common psychosocial effects include anxiety, fear, depression, and financial concerns.
  • Cancer nursing involves a wide range of roles and responsibilities.
  • Prevention and early detection are important nursing responsibilities.
  • Nurses play a key role in educating patients and families about prevention and early detection.
  • Nurses provide direct care to patients undergoing cancer treatment.
  • Nurses manage side effects of cancer treatment.
  • Nurses provide psychosocial support to patients and families.
  • Nurses advocate for patients.
  • Nurses provide end-of-life care.
  • Cancer survivorship is an area of growing importance.
  • Cancer survivors face unique challenges, including long-term side effects, fear of recurrence, and psychosocial issues.
  • Nurses help cancer survivors manage these challenges and improve their quality of life.
  • Cancer is a complex disease with many different types and subtypes.
  • Cancer treatment is constantly evolving, with new therapies being developed.
  • Cancer nursing is a challenging but rewarding field.
  • Nurses who work with cancer patients make a real difference in their lives.

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