Cancer Symptoms
Earliest sign of many cancers, often “unexplained and persistent.”
What is fatigue?
Rationale: Cancer cells use large amounts of energy, diverting nutrients from normal tissues. This causes persistent fatigue even before other symptoms appear.
Test that confirms cancer.
What is a biopsy?
Rationale: Only pathology review of tissue can definitively diagnose malignancy.
Cytotoxic drugs that kill rapidly dividing cells.
What is chemotherapy?
Rationale: Chemo targets DNA synthesis and cell division; cancer cells divide faster than normal cells.
ANC must be monitored to prevent this.
What is infection?
Rationale: ANC < 1000 = neutropenia; <500 = severe risk for sepsis.
Patients should flush twice because body fluids contain these.
What are drug metabolites?
Rationale: Chemotherapy agents remain active in urine/stool for 48–72 hours.
Painless lumps—especially in breast or testicular cancer—are due to this abnormal process.
What is uncontrolled cell growth?
Rationale: Neoplasms form when cells divide rapidly and uncontrollably, creating masses that may initially be painless.
TNM: Tumor, Node, and this.
What is Metastasis?
Rationale: TNM staging measures tumor size, lymph node involvement, and spread to distant organs.
Targeted therapies block these structures.
What are receptors/molecular pathways?
Rationale: These drugs bind to specific proteins on cancer cells, reducing systemic damage.
Avoid IM injections in thrombocytopenia because of this.
What is bleeding?
Rationale: Platelet count <50,000 increases bleeding risk; IM injections can cause hematomas.
Neutropenic fever threshold.
What is 100.4°F (38°C)?
Rationale: Even low-grade fevers may indicate life‑threatening infection.
Persistent cough, hemoptysis, hoarseness.
What is lung cancer?
Rationale: Tumors irritate airways or compress nerves (e.g., recurrent laryngeal nerve), causing cough and voice changes.
Imaging with radioactive tracers.
What is a PET scan?
Rationale: PET detects metabolically active tissue; cancer cells consume glucose rapidly and “light up
Skin-related side effect of radiation.
What is radiation dermatitis?
Rationale: Radiation damages skin cells, leading to erythema, dryness, or desquamation.
IV emergency requiring stopping chemo infusion.
What is tissue necrosis?
Rationale: Vesicant drugs can cause tissue necrosis if they leak into surrounding tissue.
External radiation patients should not apply this.
What are lotions or creams without provider approval?
Rationale: Skin is highly sensitive; some products worsen irritation.
Unintentional weight loss >10%.
What is cachexia? ( wasting syndrome)
Rationale: Cachexia results from cancer‑driven metabolic changes leading to muscle wasting and weight loss despite normal intake.
PSA, CA‑125 are detected in this type of test.
What is bloodwork?
Rationale: Tumor markers are released into the bloodstream by certain cancers and used for m
Treatment that boosts immune system.
What is immunotherapy?
Rationale: Immunotherapy activates the patient’s own T‑cells to attack cancer cells.
Priority for swallowing difficulty after neck radiation.
What is nutritional support?
Rationale: Radiation causes mucosal swelling; malnutrition worsens treatment outcomes.
Fatigue teaching: balance rest with this.
What is light activity/exercise?
Rationale: Exercise improves energy and reduces cancer‑related fatigue.
CAUTION acronym.
This mnemonic identifies 7 early cancer warning signs recommended by the American Cancer Society.
Stage IV definition.
What is metastasis?
Rationale: Stage IV is always defined by spread to distant organs (e.g., brain, liver, bone).
High-dose chemo + healthy stem cells.
What is a stem cell transplant?
Rationale: Allows higher chemo doses by rescuing bone marrow with transplanted stem cells.
Class of meds given before chemo to prevent nausea.
What are antiemetics?
Rationale: Serotonin antagonists (ondansetron) reduce chemo‑triggered nausea pathways.
Nutrition during chemotherapy should emphasize this nutrient.
What is protein?
Rationale: Protein supports healing, immune function, and muscle maintenance.