MNAMosby’s Long Term Care Assistant Chapter 38 Cancer, Immune System and Skin Disorders

CancerCancer

Out of control cell growth

Causes a tumor

CancerCancer

Malignant Cancerous

Benign Non-cancerous

Metastasis Spread of cancer to other areas

CancerCancer

Cancer can occur almost anywhere

Skin is common site

Risks Factors for CancerRisks Factors for Cancer

Growing olderMost occur in those over age 65

Risks Factors for CancerRisks Factors for Cancer

TobaccoSmoking,snuff, chewing tobacco and second-hand smoke

Risks Factors for CancerRisks Factors for Cancer

Sunlight

Causes early aging of the skin and can lead to skin cancer

Risks Factors for CancerRisks Factors for Cancer

Radiation

X-rays, radon gas, radioactive fallout

Risks Factors for CancerRisks Factors for Cancer

Chemicals

Paints, pesticides, other chemicals

Risks Factors for CancerRisks Factors for Cancer

Viruses, bacteria

Can increase risk of certain cancers

(cervical, liver, lymphoma, Kaposi sarcoma

Risks Factors for CancerRisks Factors for Cancer

Hormones

Replacement therapy can increase risk for breast cancer

Risks Factors for CancerRisks Factors for Cancer

Family history

Certain cancers occur in families

(melanoma, breast cancer, ovary, prostate, colon cancer)

Risks Factors for CancerRisks Factors for Cancer

Alcohol

Certain cancers increase with increased alcohol consumption

Risks Factors for CancerRisks Factors for Cancer

Poor diet, lack of physical exercise, obesity

High fat diet increases risk of colon cancer.

Obesity increases risk of breast, colon, esophagus, kidney and uterine cancer

Signs of CancerSigns of CancerChanges in bowel or bladder

A sore throat that does not heal

Unusual bleeding or discharge

Thickening or lump in breast or any other part of body

Indigestion or difficulty swallowing

Obvious change in warts or moles

Nagging cough or hoarseness

TreatmentTreatment Depends on type of Cancer

Cure, control or reduce symptoms

•Surgery

•Radiation

•Chemotherapy

•Hormone Therapy

•Biological Therapy

Removes tumors

Kills cells, (both cancer cells and normal cells)

Drugs that kill cells, (both cancer cells & normal cells)

Prevents cancer cells from using hormones needed for growth

Helps immune system fight cancer

Cancer -Resident NeedsCancer -Resident Needs

Pain relief

Rest and exercise

Fluids and nutrition

Skin care

Elimination needs

Spiritual needs

Social needs

Immune System Immune System DisordersDisorders

Immune system protects body from microorganisms, cancer, other harmful substances

Immune System Immune System DisordersDisorders

Autoimmune Disorders:

Attacks body’s own normal cells, tissues, organs

Graves Disease

Lupus

Multiple Sclerosis

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Type I Diabetes

Immune System Immune System DisordersDisorders

Acquired Immunodeficiency Disorder: AIDS

Caused by virus –HIV

Spread through body fluids

Bloodborne transmission

Symptoms?

As with any other infectious disease, always follow

Standard Precautions

Bloodborne Pathogen Precautions

Skin DisordersSkin Disorders

Shingles

Herpes zoster

Caused by virus that causes chicken pox

Rash or blisters develop

Pain, itching, tingling