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Cancer Care
NUR 125
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Benign | relatively harmless, present problems if they create pressure on or obstruct body organs |
malignant | Random, disorganized, uncontrolled growth pattern. Ability to migrate from one tissue or organ to another |
Stage I | The malignant cells are confined to the tissue of origin. No invasion of other tissues takes place. |
Stage II | Limited spread of the cancer occurs in the local area, usually to nearby lymph nodes. |
Stage III | The tumor is larger or has spread from the site of origin to nearby tissues (or both). Regional lymph nodes are likely to be involved. |
Stage IV | The cancer has metastasized to distant parts of the body; term advanced is also used |
T | Primary Tumor |
N | Regional Lymph nodes |
M | Distant Metastasis |
CAUTION | 7 warning signs of cancer |
Radiotherapy | ionizing radiation in the treatment of disease |
Chemotherapy | antineoplastic or anticancer drugs |
Biotherapy | immunotherapy, gene therapy, and some targeted therapies |
Anemia | common after repeated cycles of chemotherapy; have hemoglobin and hematocrit testing done |
Thrombocytopenia | Radiation and chemotherapy can suppress the production of platelets. |
Neutropenia | WBC count is very low, compromised host precautions. |
Fatigue | common symptom in the patient with cancer |
Altered Body Image | effects of cancer and cancer treatments can alter physical appearance and function |
Grieving | Treatment of cancer often results in temporary or permanent changes in body appearance or function; changes or losses often trigger |
extravasation | agent leaks out of the vein, surrounding tissue destruction may occur; stop the infusion immediately and notify the provider |
vesicant | antineoplastic or other medications that can cause very serious tissue injury to the vein during administration |
Time Distance Shielding | health care worker protection during radiotherapy |
stomatitis | common side effect of chemotherapy; inflammation of the mucous membranes |
fever | hallmark of infection |
sepsis | signs of widespread infection: tachycardia, tachypnea, hypotensison |
occult | blood not visible to the naked eye; frequently tested in stool specimens |
lobectomy | surgical treatment for NSCLC |
NSCLC | non - small cell lung cancer |
SCLC | small cell lung cancer |
PSA | used to detect / monitor prostate cancer |
suprapubic prostatectomy | performed through the bladder by way of a low abdominal incision |
LHRH | desensitizes pituitary receptors for GnRH; testosterone release rises at first, then declines; hormonal side effects |
tamoxifen | Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator |
mammogram | breast cancer screening tool |
semi-fowler | positioning on patient back; 15 - 45 degrees but 30 is most common |
simple mastectomy | removal of entire breast |
radical mastectomy | removal of all breast tissue, overlying skin, axillary lymph nodes, and underlying pectoral muscles |
Lumpectomy | removal of breast tumor with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue; preserves most of the breast |
BRCA | genetic mutation linked to higher risk of breast cancer |
colonoscopy | screening / diagnostic procedure for colon disorders |
abdominoperineal resection | demanding surgery, abdomenal, colostomy and perineum incisions; high risk of complications post op |
bone marrow | produces RBC, WBC and platelets; impacted by oncologic treatments |