Diagnosis
What is the most definitive way to determine the presence of malignant cells?
Biopsy
This study requires the injection or ingestion of a radioactive substance. A scanning device is then used to identify the distribution of the substance in different areas of the body.
Radioisotope Study
What is the tumor marker for prostate cancer?
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
What is the goal of surgery?
To removal all malignant cells, this may include removal of the tumor, surrounding tissue, and regional lymph nodes.
External radiation is associated with what?
Skin damage and burning. Skin atrophy, changes in pigmentation, and chronic dermatitis may result.
What is used to obtain fluid or tissue samples from a lesion?
Needle Biopsy
What is a bone scan?
type of radioisotope study. Radioactive material is injected into the vein. The patient is encouraged to drink water over the next 1-3 hours to assist the kidneys in removing any radioisotope not picked up by the bone. Areas of concentration of the radioisotope in a specific organ is indicative of a tumor in that location.
Which antigen is found in an increased amount of colorectal cancer?
Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)
What are some reasons surgery is performed?
preventative, diagnostic, curative, and palliative
How does the radiologist know which area to use external radiation?
The specific area of the body is marked to indicate which port at which external radiation will be directed. These markings must not be washed off.
Aspiration of fluids or tissue by means of a needle.
Needle Aspiration Biopsy
Lab that is elevated in the presence of liver disease or in the presence of metastasis of liver or bone.
Alkaline phosphatase
Which tumor marker can indicate ovarian cancer?
CA-125
Why is nutritional status important before a patient goes into surgery?
Nutritional status has found to be significant factor in the amount of surgery that can be tolerated, the rate of recovery, the patient's role performance, and the adequacy of wound healing.
How should the patient manage the area of skin marked for radiation?
-Keep the skin dry. If area becomes wet during bathing, pat dry (not rub) with an absorbent towel.
-Do not apply lotions, ointments, creams, or powders in marked areas. Any lotions or creams must be prescribed by the physician.
-Protect the radiated area from direct sunlight.
-Avoid applications of heat or cold, because these would increase erythema, drying, and pruritis of the skin.
Removal of the complete lesion.
Excisional biopsy
Hormone secreted by the thyroid gland in response to a rise in serum calcium level.
Calcitonin
Which tumor marker can indicate pancreatic or hepatobiliary cancer?
CA 19-9
Why is radiation used as a treatment for cancer?
Radiation can be used to cure or control cancer that has spread to local lymph nodes or treat tumors that cannot be removed surgically and also may be used preop to reduce the size of a tumor. Post op radiation maybe indicated to destroy malignant cells not removed by surgery.
What type of diet should patients who are undergoing radiation be on?
High in protein and calories to promote healing and tissue regeneration.
Removal of portion of the tissue for examination.
Incisional biopsy
Antigen that stops before birth, but it may begin again if neoplasm develops.
Carcinoembryonic Antigen
What should patients not eat prior to giving a stool sample to examine for occult blood?
red meat, horseradish, uncooked broccoli, turnips, melons, aspirin, or vitamin C for 4 days prior
What are the 2 forms of radiation therapy?
Internal and external
How much fluid intake should a patient have per day when undergoing radiation?
2-3L unless contraindicated.