...Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells that usually starts in bone marrow producing abnormal white blood cells. Those abnormal white blood cells are called leukemia cells. When bone marrow starts to produce those leukemia cells, at first leukemia cells functions just as fine as white blood cells, but over passing time they crowd out platelets, RBC’s and WBC’s that causes problems for blood to carry its given functions. Some factors that increase the chances of developing leukemia are: having a previous cancer treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, genetic abnormalities, exposure for certain chemicals, smoking and having a history of leukemia in the family. There are four primary types of leukemia: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) - occurs when bone marrow begins to produce not mature blasts, cells which do not develop into WBC’s that gets rid of infections. Also in AML the bone marrow may produce cells that crowd out normal cells. Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) – occurs because of the Ph chromosomes that cause BRC and ABL...
Words: 670 - Pages: 3
...diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma when he was in his mid-20s; it was found in his leg. He lived with this rare cancer for 10 years before he passed away from it. He died before I was born, so I didn’t know anything about it. Years later when I was a teenager my cousin Joe was diagnosed with the same type of cancer, he was also in his 20s. Joe’s cancer was found in his chest, he didn’t live as long with the cancer. He passed when he was only 27. Joe and I were really close, so I got interested in the type of cancer. His doctor said that it was a rare type of cancer that was hereditary to the identical. This made me very interested. Looking at pictures of Joe and my Uncle Herm you could not tell them apart. I wanted to know if it is true that Ewing’s Sarcoma is hereditary to the identical because there were two people in my family that were diagnosed with this type of cancer and they were identical. Joe never had any children, so if the cancer is hereditary to the identical then the cancer gene stopped with him. Ewing’s Sarcoma is a very rare cancer in adults; it has usually spread to other parts of the body when it is detected. Ewing’s Sarcoma is a form of bone cancer and is typically found in teenagers when they undergo growth spurts, but it can occur at any age. Ewing’s Sarcoma is very rare in adults. Ewing’s Sarcoma accounts for about one to two percent of childhood cancers. There are about 225 children and adolescents diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma in the United States each...
Words: 1498 - Pages: 6
...Overview Hypercalcemia is the most common life-threatening metabolic disorder associated with neoplastic diseases, occurring in an estimated 10% to 20% of all adults with cancer. It also occurs in children with cancer, but with much less frequency (approximately 0.5%–1%).[1-3] Solid tumors (such as lung or breast cancer tumors) as well as certain hematologic malignancies (particularly multiple myeloma) are most frequently associated with hypercalcemia.[4] Although early diagnosis followed by hydration and treatment with agents that decrease serum calcium concentrations (hypocalcemic drugs) can produce symptomatic improvements within a few days, diagnosis may be complicated because symptoms may be insidious at onset and can be confused with those of many malignant and nonmalignant diseases. However, diagnosis and timely interventions not only are lifesaving in the short term but also may enhance the patient’s compliance with primary and supportive treatments and may improve quality of life.[5] When a patient has a refractory, widely disseminated malignancy for which specific therapy is no longer being pursued, the patient may want to consider withholding therapy for hypercalcemia. For patients or families who have expressed their wishes regarding end-of-life issues, this may represent a preferred timing and/or mode of death (as compared with a more prolonged death from advancing metastatic disease). This option is best considered long before the onset of severe hypercalcemia or...
Words: 10714 - Pages: 43
...Vitamins April Gough University of Phoenix Nutrition SCI/241 Mary L. Martin November 7, 2014 Fat- and Water-Soluble Vitamins Vitamins don't provide energy, like carbohydrates, proteins and fats, but they are essential compounds that help the body grow and function optimally. Thirteen essential vitamins help boost your immunity, strengthen your bones, heal wounds, bolster your eyesight and assist you in obtaining energy from food -- among multiple other functions. Without adequate vitamin intake, you may feel lethargic, be vulnerable to infection and develop other serious complications that can endanger your health and life. Each of the 13 vitamins has a specific function, but they also work together to facilitate optimal health. Vitamin A supports healthy eyesight, immune function, skin, bones and teeth. You need vitamin C to support absorption of the mineral iron and also to provide immune protection and encourage healthy tissue development. Vitamin D, along with the mineral calcium, boosts bone health as well as a solid body defense system. Vitamin E facilitates your body's use of vitamin K, which helps in blood clotting and bone health, as well as promotes the formation of essential red blood cells. The eight B vitamins support a healthy metabolism, brain function, hormone production, regular heart operations, functioning of the central nervous system and cell duties. Some are soluble in fat and some in water. Vitamins that are fat soluble are stored in the body and can...
Words: 902 - Pages: 4
...Cancer KEY POINTS Biology of Cancer Cancer encompasses a broad range of diseases of multiple causes that can arise in any cell of the body capable of evading regulatory controls of proliferation and differentiation. Two major dysfunctions present in the process of cancer are (1) defective cell proliferation (growth) and (2) defective cell differentiation. Cancer cells usually proliferate at the same rate of the normal cells of the tissue from which they arise. However, cancer cells divide indiscriminately and haphazardly and sometimes produce more than two cells at the time of mitosis. Through differentiation, cells become capable of performing only specific functions. o Proto-oncogenes are normal cell genes that regulate normal cell processes to keep them in their mature, functioning state. o When proto-oncogenes are mutated, they can begin to function as oncogenes (tumor-inducing genes). Tumors can be classified as benign or malignant. o Benign neoplasms are well-differentiated. o Malignant neoplasms range from well-differentiated to undifferentiated. Development of Cancer The stages of cancer include initiation, promotion, and progression. o The first stage, initiation, is a mutation in the cell’s DNA genetic structure following exposure to a chemical, radiation, or viral agent. The mutation may also be inherited. o Promotion, the second stage in the development of cancer, is characterized by the reversible proliferation of the altered cells. o Progression...
Words: 2519 - Pages: 11
...2015 Approach to Care The diagnosis, treatment, and side effects associated with cancer can be complex and understanding how cancers are diagnosed, the treatment choices, and the potential psychological, physical effects of cancer are essential to understand when one is faced with a cancer diagnosis. This paper will describe how cancer is diagnosed, the staging procedure, complications associated with the disease, the side effects associated with treatment, and methods to lessen the physical and psychological effects of cancer. The diagnosis of cancer is determined from the patient’s history, symptoms, and physical exam obtained by a healthcare provider (Davis, C. P. 2014). There are many symptoms which may alert a patient or healthcare provider that further evaluation for cancer is required. Examples of suspect symptoms might include: Changes in a mole, sores that do not heal, changes in the breast and nipple, thickening or lump beneath or on the skin, changes in bowel routines, atypical bleeding noted in the urine, stool, or vaginal (National Cancer Institute, n.d.). After performing the physical exam, a healthcare provider may determine medical tests are required to confirm a cancer diagnosis. Medical tests used to confirm diagnosis can vary. One of the first tests to be conducted will be an evaluation of the patients’ blood. Several blood tests are commonly used to detect cancer; these tests include: Tests that evaluate the level of electrolytes, proteins, fats, metabolites...
Words: 1692 - Pages: 7
...Melissa Ruiz Biology Review Rasmussen College 10/07/2011 1. Describe the interdependency of structure and function in the human body. Physiology depends on anatomy; anatomy is study of the structures in the body, physiology is the study of the functions of those structures. In other words, without structure there is no function. Physiology depends on anatomy, the operation or function of a structure is dictated by its anatomy. Anatomy and physiology are really inseparable because function always reflects structure. For example, oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged across the thin membranes of the lungs but not across the skin. (Marieb and Hoehn, 2010, page 3) 2. Describe the three patterns of chemical reactions. Synthesis reaction is when atoms or molecules combine to form a larger, more complex molecule. It always involves bond formation and can be represented as A+B→AB. This is the basis of constructive activities in body cells. Amino acids are joined together to form a protein molecule. Decomposition reaction occurs when a molecule is broken down into smaller molecules. It can be represented as AB→A+B. Decomposition reactions are the reverse of synthesis reactions. This underlies all degradative processes in body cells. Bonds are broken in larger molecules, resulting in smaller, less complex molecules. Glycogen is broken down to release glucose units. Exchange reactions involve both synthesis and decomposition. Bonds are both made and broken, which...
Words: 2016 - Pages: 9
...than the entire body. Skin-directed treatmetns for mycosis fungoides include • Phototherapy with ultraviolet (UV) light • Topical medicines • Radiation therapy Phototherapy with ultraviolet (UV) light Phototherapy uses two types of ultraviolet (UV) light to destroy cancer cells. A patient may be treated using either ultraviolet A (UVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB) light. Both types of UV light are administered using fluorescent lamps. The light boxes are specially calibrated to maximize the effect of treatment while minimizing the risk of burns. Phototherapy treatments are usually...
Words: 2490 - Pages: 10
...Cancer is known by the abnormal growth of cells that is uncontrolled in the body, and these cells are also defined as malignant cells, meaning that these cells are severe and can become worse. Cancerous cells can grow very rapidly and aim to destroy healthy cells and tissue. The primary cells that are affected by these tumor cells will break away and travel to other healthy tissue and cells via the lymphatic or circulatory system, which metastasis most often to the lungs, brain, liver, and bones. When a person is diagnosed with cancer, it can be very devastating news, with the fear that this could possibly be rapidly progressed or worse, incurable. Therefore, this affects greatly not only the person who is diagnosed, but also family and friends who are close and care for this person. At one time, cancer was almost always considered a death sentence, however, with the progression of research, new treatments, cures, and early diagnosis can now help to prevent re-occurrence or in some cases can put the cancer into remission for years. With the extensive research throughout the years, advancements have been made bringing about new treatment options, the ability to detect some types of cancers earlier, and also to understand how many environmental factors, as well as genetics, can affect the growth of cancerous cells. There are multiple types of cancers based off of where the cancer originates in regards to the types of tissues or kinds of fluids that the cancer effects...
Words: 2135 - Pages: 9
...BACKGROUND: LV is a 31-year-old Caucasian female, admitted three weeks ago to the bone marrow transplant unit. She was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia two years ago and underwent extensive chemotherapy, with successful remission. Last month, she presented at her primary care provider with increased fatigue and shortness of breath. Initial blood tests showed reduced WBC and platelet count. Her PCP referred LV to the Colorado Blood Cancer Institute for further evaluation. The CBCI completed a bone marrow biopsy. The results were consistent with relapse. Their blood tests showed the following: WBC count, 2200 cells/mm3; Hgb, 6 g/dL; Platelets, 60,000/L; Albumin, 2.0 g/dL; Creatinine, 0.7 g/dL; Sodium, 140 mEq/L; Potassium, 4.3 mEq/L;...
Words: 598 - Pages: 3
...Multimodal Treatment for Cancer and It’s Nursing Implication Cure: Complete eradication of malignant cells Control: prolonged survival and containment of cancer cell growth Palliate: relief of symptoms associated with the disease Surgery 2. Chemotherapy 3. Radiation therapy Surgery A. Diagnostic Biopsy: to obtain a tissue sample for analysis of cells suspected to be malignant Actual tumor Lymph Nodes 3 Most Common types of Biopsy Excisional: most frequently used for easily accessible tumors of the skin, breast, upper and lower gastrointestinal tract, and upper respiratory tract. : removal of the entire tumor and the surrounding marginal tissues as well Incisional: when the tumor mass is to large to be removed. : a wedge of a tissue from the tumor is removed for analysis Needle Methods: performed to sample suspicious masses that are easily accessible, such as some growth in the breasts, thyroid, lung, liver and kidney : fast, relatively less expensive and easy to perform and usually require local anesthesia. B. Surgery as a Primary Treatment: Local Excisions (Debulking) Wide or Radical Excision (en block dissection) removal of the primary tumor, lymph nodes, adjacent involved structures, and surrounding tissues that may be at high risk for tumor spread C. Prophylactic Surgery: involves removing nonvital tissues or organs that are...
Words: 859 - Pages: 4
...Concept of Cellular Regulation: Breast Cancer Student Name El Centro Community College Concept of Cellular Regulation: Breast Cancer The concept of Cellular Regulation consists of many exemplars, including Breast Tumors/Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Lung Cancer, Colon Cancer, Lymphomas (Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s), Skin Cancer and Leukemia. For the purpose of this paper the exemplar I will be focusing on is Breast Cancer. There are only a couple of sites that are typical of breast metastasis including bone, brain, liver, and lung. When the primary cancer site has developed in other areas of the body, it is unlikely that it will metastasize to the breast. The most common sites of metastatic disease in all types of cancer is brain, bone, liver, and lung. The American Cancer Society defines breast cancer as a “malignant tumor that starts in the cells of the breast. A malignant tumor is a group of cancer cells that can invade the surrounding tissues or spread to distant areas of the body” (American Cancer Society, 2014). Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, the first being lung cancer. “In the United States over 182,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer and over 67,000 cases of in situ breast cancer are diagnosed annually” (Lewis, 2011 pg. 1311). Those numbers include almost 41,000 deaths, including both men and women. Breast cancer is typically the primary cancer and can spread, or metastasize, to other areas of the body. There are...
Words: 902 - Pages: 4
...Getting SSDI Benefits in Cases of Soft Tissue Sarcomas First, sarcomas are defined as cancers of the body’s bone and soft tissues made up of mesenchymal cells. Sarcomas invade the bone, skeletal and smooth muscle, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, blood vessels, nerves, connective tissue around joints, and fatty tissues. They are rare. While alternative treatments such as curcurmin and high doses of D-3 do inhibit cancer growth, surgery is typically seen as the cure to get rid of sarcoma. Stage I sarcomas, the small ones, surgery takes care of. Radiation shrinks cancers in the head, neck, or abdomen for removal. Stage II and III sarcomas are the ones that spread rapidly. Chemo and radiation can shrink tumors making them easier to cut out. Sometimes lymph nodes must be removed, too, to get all the cancer. A stage IV sarcoma is rarely cured....
Words: 427 - Pages: 2
...experiencing. The game ends when each game card in set 1 is matched to the correct game card in set 2. Game Card Set 1 Patient Profile Presenting Complaints and Symptoms o 19 year old male with complaints of dull pain around navel that has been getting progressively worse. Also has been experiencing nausea and occasional vomiting and constipation. Exam Findings o Abdominal guarding and rebound tenderness o Sudden onset and worsen with coughing Diagnosis: Appendicitis Game Card Set 2 Type of Pain Acute Pain Definition: Pain that starts suddenly and is very sharp. It can be a warning of a disease or from a result of trauma. It can also occur with certain events such as: Surgery Broken bones Dental work Burns or cuts Labor and childbirth Game Card Set 1 Patient Profile • Presenting symptoms: 45 year old with herniated disc injury from soccer. Aching in lower back with tingling and numbness radiating down left leg, intensifies with prolonged sitting. Twice this past year unbearable pain after bending to pick up things off the floor. It has been six years without relief • Treatment history Muscle...
Words: 1675 - Pages: 7
...anemia? Generally speaking, anemia is a condition of low levels of red blood cells. Nutritional deficiency, chronic disease, and hemorrhage could all be particular causes. These conditions decrease the number of red blood cells and oxygen delivery to the cells and tissues. Anemia symptoms that a patient can experience are fatigue, energy loss, lightheadedness or dizziness, shortness of breath, headaches, pallor appearance, tachycardia and chest pain. There are many different types of anemia, such as iron deficiency, anemia of chronic disease, megaloblastic and hemolytic (Zelman, 2009). The classes that are the result of chemotherapy are iron deficiency and anemia of chronic disease. The difference is the class is based on the type of cancer that is being treated. Iron deficiency anemia is when the body does not have enough iron. When that occurs, the body will make fewer red blood cells or the red blood cells are too small. Iron deficiency anemia is considered the most common form of anemia. Iron is the key to red blood cells. Without iron, blood can’t carry oxygen effectively. Anemia as a result of an inflammatory response is also known as chronic disease anemia. It is found in patients with certain long-term medical conditions. Chronic infections, inflammatory diseases, and other illnesses can cause the decreased...
Words: 1346 - Pages: 6
