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
...
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
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