ADN 233/Med Surg FINAL Study Guide

Med Surg Study Guide Exam 1 Chapter 15- Oncology Warning Signs of Cancer- CAUTION C- changes in bowel or bladder A- sore that does not heal U-unusual bleeding or discharge T- thickening or a lump I- indigestion or difficulty swallowing O- obvious change in a wart or mole N- nagging cough or hoarseness Characteristics Benign Malignant Cell Well- differentiated cells resemble normal cells of the tissue from which the tumor originated Cells are undifferentiated and may bear little resemblance to the normal cells of the tissue from which they arose Mode of Growth Tumor grows by expansion and does not infiltrate the surrounding tissues, usually encapsulated Grows at the periphery and overcomes contact inhibition to invade and infiltrate surrounding tissues Rate of Growth Rate of growth is usually slow Rate of growth is variable and depends on the level of differentiation, the more anaplastic Metastasis Does not spread by metastasis Gains access to the blood and lymphatic channels and metastasizes to other areas of the body or grows across body cavities such as the peritoneum General Effects Usually localized phenomenon that does not cause generalized effects unless its location interferes with vital functions Often causes generalized effects such as anemia, weakness, systemic inflammation, weight loss, and CACS (cancer-related anorexia- cachexia syndrome) Tissue Destruction Does not usually cause tissue damage unless its location interferes with blood flow Often causes extensive tissue damage as the tumor outgrows its blood supply or encroaches on blood flow to the area; may also produce substances that cause cell damage Ability to Cause Death Does not usually cause death unless its location interferes with vital functions Eventually causes death unless growth can be controlled