Cancer Definition & Significance A group of more than 200 diseases characterized by unregulated growth of cells. Cancer is the 2 nd leading cause of death in the U.S. (CAD is # 1). An estimated 30% of Americans now living will experience cancer at some point in their lives .
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Cancer Definition & Significance A group of more than 200 diseases characterized by unregulated growth of cells. Cancer is the 2 nd leading cause of death.
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Cancer Definition & Significance
A group of more than 200 diseases characterized by unregulated growth of cells.
Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death in the U.S. (CAD is # 1).
An estimated 30% of Americans now living will experience cancer at some point in their lives.
Cancer Con’t…. Two major dysfunctions present in the
process of CA are:> Defective cellular proliferation
(growth) > Defective cellular differentiation The natural history of CA is an orderly
process occurring in 3 phases over time: > Initiation-genetic change occurs-altering growth &
function > Promotion-the altered cell continues to
undergo additional malignant changes.> Progression-involves the continued
growth of the cell containing the malignant phenotype.
Cancer Classification
Anatomic site (tissue of origin & behavior of tumor> Carcinomas-grown from epithelial cells;usually solid
tumors (skin,stomach, colon,breast)
> Sarcomas - arise from muscle, bone, fat, or connective tissue-may be solid.
> Lymphomas & leukemias- arise from lymphoid tissue(infection-fighting organs)& grow from bld.forming organ.
localized CA tissue: Primary site and site of metastasis. > Supportive care: insertion of therapeutic devices
> Palliation of symptoms: surgery to promote quality of life. > Rehabilitative management: reconstructive surgery.
Psychological Care for the Cancer Patient
Develop a collaborative relationship with the patient.
Always be honest with the client. Assist to cope with pain Provide general comfort measures Do not undermedicate for cancer pain Support family as they move through the
grieving process Introduce the hospice concept-provides
care for the terminally ill pt. & family.
Oncologic Emergencies
Sepsis- life-threatening & common death in pts, with CA.
DIC-triggered by many illnesses, including CA.Caused by sepsis from cancer cells. Strict adherence to aseptic technique.
SIADH- excessive amts. Of water are reabsorbed by the kidney & put into systemic circulation. Caused hypoNA. & some degree of fluid retention. Mild S/S-weakness, muscle cramps, anorexia, fatigue.
Oncologic Emergencies Superior Vena Cava Syndrome- is
compressed or obstructed by tumor growth.S/S- edema of the face, periorbital edema, tightness of the shirt or blouse collar(Stoke’s sign). High-dose radiation the most common tx.
Tumor Lysis Syndrome- large quantities of tumor cells are destroyed rapidly. TLS is a positive sign that CA tx. is effective. S/S-hyperuricemia. Hydration-3L to 5L of fluid.
Oncologic Emergencies
Spinal Cord Compression- when a tumor directly enters the spinal cord or when the vertebral column collapses from tumor entry. S/S- back pain, tingling; loss of urethral, vaginal, & rectal sensation, muscle weakness. Tx-palliative-high dose radiation-reduce the size of the tumor.
Hypercalcemia- CA in bones causes the bone to release calcium into the bloodstream. S/S-fatigue, anorexia, N/V, constipation, & polyuria.