Question

Write a paper (1,250-1,750 words) describing the approach to care of cancer. In addition, include the following in your paper:

1. Describe the diagnosis and staging of cancer.
2. Describe at least three complications of cancer, the side effects of treatment, and methods to lessen physical and psychological effects.

Answer 1

Cancer is the group of cells that grows out of control, taking over the function of the affected organ.  

A diagnosis of cancer can be a very frightening experience. Often people try to mask the symptoms because they are so frightened by the disease. A careful and thorough assessment of the patients present present, past, medical and surgical history and pertinent family history should be obtained. A complete physical examination provides both objective and subjective data. The most conclusive information about the health of tissue us acquired by examining cell activity through biopsy.

Biopsy -an accurate identification of cancer can be done only through biopsy. Microscopic examination if a piece of suspected tissue or aspirated body fluid can confirm the presence of mutant cells. A biopsy is commonly done in a physicians office or outpatient surgery department. Incisional biopsy is an invasive procedure that involves the surgical removal if a small amount of tissue for inspection. Stereotactic biopsy us a safe and efficient procedure for evakuatjng lesions in the brain and breast.

Laboratory tests.

Blood, serum and urine tests are important in establishing baseline values and general health status. An elevated WBC count is expected if the patient has evidence of infection, however an increase in WBC without infection raises suspicion of leukaemia 50%of patients with liver cancer have increased levels of bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase. Bone marrow aspiration us done to learn the number, size and shape of red and white blood cells and platelets. Bone marrow aspiration us a major tool for diagnosis of leukaemia. Tumor markers also called biochemical markers are proteins, antigens, genes, hormones and enzymes produced and secreted by tumor cells. Tumor markers help confirm a diagnosis of cancer, detect cancer origin, monitor the effect of cancer therapy and determine cancer remission.

Cytologic study -it is obtained primarily through Pap smear of cells shed from a mucus membrane. Test results are based on the degree of cell abnormality. Normal results reflect no cellular changes. Slight cellular changes are considered normal with a possible link to abnormal cells seen in infection.

Radiological procedures-X ray examination is a valuable diagnostic tool in detecting cancer of the bones and hollow organs. Routine chest X ray examination is one diagnostic test used in detecting cancer. Mammogeaphy is a reliable and non invadive low radiation xray pricedure for detectinng breast masses. Contrast media xray studiesvare used to detect abnormalities of bone and the gastrointestinal and urinary systems. CT provides a three dimensional cross sectional, computerized picture of the body. CT scans are important in the diagnosis and sraging if malignancies and can detect minor variations in tissue thickness.

Nuclear imaging procedures- it involves bcamera imaging of organs or yissues conraining radioactive media. Ultrasound procedures uses high frequency sound waves to provide images of deep sift tissue structures in the body. The procedure is mine invasive and does not use x rays. It msy be useful to vdistingish between malignant and benign tumors.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is valuable in the detection localization and staging of malignant tumors in the CNS, spine, head, and musculoskeletal system. Endoscopic procedures enables the surgeon to biopsy abnormal tissue and us used to detect lesions of the throat, esophagus, stomach, colon and lungs.

Staging of cancer

Tumor staging is used to determine the stage of solid&tumor masses, providing valuable information to guide treatment plans. It is important to guide treatment plan's. The most commoncsystem used for staging tumors is the tumor ,node, metastasis (TNM)

It classifies dolid yumors bybdize and tissue involvement. TNM stages are T0 (No tumor) Tis(Tumor insitu) and T1through T4. Extent of lymph node involvement rsnges from N0, no nodes, to N4 a large amount of lymph node involvement. Metastasis is described as M0, no metastasis, to M1 metastasis to some area.

There is also rating it grading system to define the cell types of tumor. Tumors are classified according to the percentage of cells that are differentiated.

Complications of cancer are

Superior venacava syndrome-it occurs in patients with lung cancer when the tumor or enlarged lymph nodes block the circulation in the venacava. This results in edema of the neck and may lead to seizurez.

Spinal cord compression-it may develop in patient with bone metastasis when the bones collapse. This is a very painful problem and requires pain management while radiation is given to relieve the symptoms.

Hypercalcaemia- it is common in patients with bone metastasis, especially metastasis from breast cancer.