Tumors & Staging
What are three key differences between benign and malignant tumors?
Benign tumors grow slowly, are non-invasive, and do not metastasize.
Malignant tumors grow rapidly, invade nearby tissue, and can spread to distant organs.
What are the main types of cancer treatment?
1. Surgery
2. Chemotherapy
3. Radiation
4. Hormonal therapy
5. immunotherapy
6. Targeted therapy.
What is SIADH, and what are the symptoms in cancer patients?
SIADH causes water retention and hyponatremia due to ectopic ADH secretion, common in small cell lung cancer.
What is PSA, and what are normal levels?
PSA = Prostate-Specific Antigen.
Normal <4 ng/mL. Elevated in prostate cancer but also BPH and prostatitis.
What is the mechanism of action of tamoxifen?
Tamoxifen blocks estrogen receptors in breast tissue, inhibiting hormone-driven tumor growth.
What does the TNM staging system stand for?
T: Tumor size and extent,
N: Node involvement,
M: Metastasis to distant organs.
When is chemotherapy indicated for lung cancer?
Chemotherapy is used for both small and non-small cell lung cancer, especially when cancer is advanced or has metastasized.
What is Cushing syndrome, and how is it related to lung cancer?
Ectopic ACTH secretion in small cell lung cancer can cause Cushing syndrome leading to high cortisol levels, weight gain, and hypertension.
What diagnostic tests are used for lung cancer?
Chest X-ray, CT scan, PET scan, and bronchoscopy with biopsy are common diagnostic tools.
What patient teaching is important with tamoxifen?
Teach patient about risk of blood clots, menopausal symptoms, and importance of medication adherence.
What is Clark Level used for in skin cancer?
Clark Level measures the depth of melanoma invasion into the skin layers.
What is hormonal therapy, and when is it used in prostate cancer?
Hormonal therapy reduces androgen levels or blocks androgen receptors; used in prostate cancer to slow growth.
What is hypercalcemia of malignancy, and how does it happen?
Tumors secrete PTH-related protein leading to bone breakdown and high calcium levels common in breast/lung cancers.
What is used to confirm breast cancer after imaging?
Breast cancer diagnosis is confirmed with a biopsy after imaging such as mammogram or ultrasound.
How does methotrexate work, and what is its use in cancer?
Methotrexate inhibits DNA synthesis by acting as a folate antagonist; used in leukemia, lymphoma, breast cancer.
How is colon cancer staged?
Colon cancer is staged I-IV based on tumor depth, lymph node involvement, and metastasis.
What is the surgical treatment for early-stage breast cancer?
Lumpectomy or mastectomy is common for early-stage breast cancer depending on tumor size and patient choice.
What is Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome, and when does it occur?
An autoimmune disorder with muscle weakness caused by antibodies against calcium channels; often seen in small cell lung cancer.
What diagnostic tests are used for colon cancer?
Colonoscopy with biopsy is the gold standard.
Fecal occult blood testing and CT colonography are also used.
What are the nursing assessments for vincristine?
Assess for neurotoxicity (numbness/tingling), constipation, and monitor for myelosuppression.
How does staging differ between breast and melanoma cancers?
Breast cancer uses TNM; melanoma uses Breslow depth and Clark Level for staging.
What is the role of radiation in skin cancer treatment?
Radiation targets and destroys cancer cells; used especially for superficial basal or squamous cell skin cancers.
What is Superior Vena Cava Syndrome, and which cancers cause it?
SVC syndrome occurs when a tumor compresses the superior vena cava, leading to facial swelling and dyspnea, which is common in lung cancers.
How is prostate cancer risk assessed using PSA and DRE?
A combination of PSA levels and Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) helps assess risk for prostate cancer.
What is interferon alfa-2b, and how does it help cancer patients?
Interferon boosts immune response against cancer cells; used in melanoma, leukemia, and Kaposi's sarcoma.