2. What are the different diagnostic tests used to diagnose cancer ?

NUR 4445 Cancer 2

• What are the cardinal symptoms of cancer in children (8)?

Answer

• Unusual mass or swelling

• Unexplained paleness or loss of energy
• Sudden tendency to bruise
• Persistent, localized pain or limping***
• Prolonged, unexplained fever or illness
• Frequent headaches, often with vomiting
• Sudden eye or vision changes
• Excessive, rapid weight loss

• What are the different diagnostic tests used to diagnose cancer (9)?

Answer Serologies (CBC, chemistries, inflammatory markers)

Radiologic studies (x-ray) CT or CAT (computerized axial tomography) scan MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan Bone marrow biopsy Lumbar puncture Needle, incisional & excisional biopsies PET (positron emission tomography) scan Bone scan

• What is an Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC)?What is a normal, neutropenic, and severe

neutropenic cell count?

Answer

• a calculation of the number of circulating neutrophils

• Normal > 1,000
• Neutropenic = 500 - 1,000
• Severe neutropenia < 500

• What are the characteristics of cancer treatment? What are the different goals with cancer

treatment (3)?

Answer

• Often several treatments are combined, including complementary therapy 1 / 2

• Goals

Curative, supportive, or preparing for end-of-life care

• Side effects must be managed also

• How should childhood cancer be managed and why?

Answer

• MUST be managed at a multidisciplinary cancer center with pediatric expertise- clinical

trials.

• do not treat a child with cancer if there's not a multidisciplinary team.This is costly! So educate

the family.

• What are the reasons for surgery during the treatment of cancer (3)?

Answer Diagnosing the cancer or stage of cancer Removing the tumor Decreasing the size of the tumor

• What is chemotherapy? What must be monitored while a patient is on chemotherapy?

Answer Drugs that kill the abnormal cells (also kill the normal cells) Can be oral, IV, or intrathecal (into the spinal canal)

Many adverse effects ANC must be monitored, may be held if < 750

• What is radiation therapy? When is it indicated and what are the goals with this treatment?

Answer

• Unstable isotopes that release energy to destroy cells

• Often used for local and regional control of cancer
• Tumor site plus the lymph glands
• Goal is to not damage the healthy cells
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