Vocab
Mutations that alter the expression of protooncogenes can activate these tumor-inducing genes.
(CAN CHANGE A NORMAL CELL TO A MALIGNANT ONE!)
Oncogene
Mutation that happens during cell division, over one’s lifetime, these are not passed on.
Acquired or somatic mutation.
What kind of family history would indicate increased risk for genetic-related diseases?
Disease in more than one close relative
Disease that affects the gender opposite the norm
Earlier than average onset
Certain combinations of disease
What is the definitive diagnosis?
Biopsy
What is the most common cancer?
What is the most common cancer in females?
What is the most common cancer in males?
Most common = Lung
Females = breast cancer
Male = Prostate cancer
Genes important for normal cell function.
Proto-oncogene
Extra copy of a chromosome.
Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)
When should newborn screenings be performed?
Between 24 and 72 hours old
What is bone marrow and stem cell transplantation?
Replaces diseased or destroyed cells from the bone marrow with normal healthy cells
Cells must be a close match (autologous or allogeneic)
Multiple complications can occur
What are the two main categories of cancer?
Solid & Hematologic
What is differentiation?
Acquisition of a specific cell function, a normal process by which a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell type (how well you can tell something apart).
* We want our cells to be WELL differentiated.
If a person is autosomal dominant, what are their chances of passing on the gene?
This person has a 50%.
The Code of Ethics for nurses state nurses have what kind of obligation?
Nurses have an ethical obligation to remain impartial once a person's genetic makeup is known.
What does TNM stand for?
T = Tumor size & invasiveness.
N = Presence or absence of spread to regional lymph nodes.
M = Presence or absence of metastasis.
What are 4 characteristics of cancer?
Uncontrolled cell growth
Lack of control inhibition
Do not undergo apoptosis
No anchorage dependence
Dysplasia
Neoplasia
Anaplasia
The study of how genes affect a person’s response to drugs.
Pharmacogenomics
What does autosomal recessive mean?
Disease requires that the individual have two copies of the mutant gene
If a patient is scheduled to have clopidogrel and has the CYP2C19 *2-*8 genotype, what kind of dosing would they receive?
Patient would have to take another drug instead for antiplatelet effects.
What examination findings are commonly associated w/ neoplasia?
Visible lesions
Physical asymmetry
Palpable masses
Presence of blood in stool or on pelvic examination
The acronym CAUTION
C - Change in bowel/bladder habits
A - A sore that doesn’t heal
U - Unusual bleeding/discharge
T - Thickening lump
I - Indigestion/difficulty swallowing
O - Obvious change in skin lesions, etc.
N - Nagging cough/hoarseness
The study of all genes and their interrelationship to identify their combined influence on growth and development.
Genomics
If M.H. carries a copy of hemophilia and her husband’s gene is unaltered, what are their chances of having a “normal” child?
75%
Stem cells have the ability to do what?
Remain in their unspecialized state and divide & differentiate and develop into specialized cells
→ Embryonic (stem cell for every tissue) & adult (circulating blood, bone marrow)
What are 4 individual risk factors?
Smoking/tobacco
Poor nutrition
Excess weight
Sedentary lifestyle
Exposure to environmental carcinogens (ex: sunlight; pollutants in air, soil, water, food; radiation
Genetics
Infectious agents
What is important to assess with cancer patients?
It is important to assess for pain. They can experience chronic malignant pain r/t cancer growth that can invade and destroy bone and other tissues…usually quite severe pain.