Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Chapter 38 Cancer, Immune System, and Skin Disorders

Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Cancer  A new growth of abnormal cells is called a tumor.  Tumors are benign or malignant.  Benign tumors Do not not spread to other body parts Do not not spread to other body parts Usually do not grow back when removed Usually do not grow back when removed  Malignant tumors Invade and destroy nearby tissue Invade and destroy nearby tissue Can spread to other body parts Can spread to other body parts Sometimes grow back after removal Sometimes grow back after removal  Metastasis is the spread of cancer to other body parts. Slide 2

Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.  The National Cancer Institute describes these risk factors:  Growing older  Tobacco use  Sunlight  Ionizing radiation, which can cause cell damage that leads to cancer  Certain chemicals and other substances  Some viruses and bacteria  Certain hormones  Family history of cancer  Alcoholism  Poor diet, lack of physical activity, and being overweight Slide 3

Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.  If detected early, cancer can be treated and controlled.  Treatment depends on:  The type of tumor  Its site and size  If it has spread  Common treatments include:  Surgery  Radiation therapy (radiotherapy)  Chemotherapy  Hormone therapy  Biological therapy (immunotherapy) Slide 4

Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.  Persons with cancer have many needs:  Pain relief or control  Rest and exercise  Fluids and nutrition  Preventing skin breakdown  Preventing bowel problems (constipation from pain- relief drugs; diarrhea from some cancer treatments)  Dealing with treatment side effects  Psychological and social needs  Spiritual needs  Sexual needs Slide 5

Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Immune System Disorders  The immune system:  Protects the body from microbes, cancer cells, and other harmful substances  Defends against threats inside and outside the body  Immune system disorders  Occur from problems with the immune response  The response may be inappropriate, too strong, or lacking. Slide 6

Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.  In autoimmune disorders, the immune system can attack the body’s own normal cells, tissues, or organs.  Common autoimmune disorders include:  Graves’ disease (the most common form of hyperthyroidism)  Lupus—and inflammatory disease affecting the blood cells, joints, skin, kidneys, lungs, heart, or brain.  Multiple sclerosis  Rheumatoid arthritis  Type I diabetes Slide 7

Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.  Signs and symptoms of autoimmune diseases vary.  Fatigue, dizziness, not feeling well, and fever are common.  Most autoimmune disorders are chronic.  Treatment depends on the disorder and the tissues and organs affected. Slide 8

Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.  Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)  AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).  The virus is spread through body fluids: blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk.  The virus is transmitted mainly by: Unprotected anal, vaginal, or oral sex with an infected person Unprotected anal, vaginal, or oral sex with an infected person Needle and syringe sharing among IV drug users Needle and syringe sharing among IV drug users HIV-infected mothers before or during childbirth HIV-infected mothers before or during childbirth HIV-infected mothers through breast-feeding HIV-infected mothers through breast-feeding Slide 9

Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.  The HIV virus is very fragile.  It cannot live outside the body.  HIV is not spread by casual, everyday contact.  HIV is not transmitted by food prepared by the infected person.  Some HIV-infected persons have symptoms within a few months.  Others are symptom-free for more than 10 years.  However, they carry the virus and can spread it to others.  The person with AIDS can develop other health problems because the immune system is damaged. Slide 10

Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc.  The person with AIDS is at risk for:  Pneumonia  Tuberculosis  Kaposi’s sarcoma (a cancer)  Nervous system damage  Many new drugs  Help slow the spread of HIV in the body  Reduce complications  Prolong life  You may care for persons with AIDS or those who are HIV carriers.  Protect yourself and others from the virus.  Follow Standard Precautions and the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard. Slide 11

Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Skin Disorders  Shingles (herpes zoster)  Caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox  The virus lies dormant in nerve tissue.  The virus can become active years later.  Most common in persons over 50 years of age.  Persons at risk are those who have had chicken pox and those with weakened immune systems.  A rash or blisters occur on the skin.  Pain level varies, but itching is a common complaint.  Anti-viral drugs and pain relief drugs are ordered by the doctor. Slide 12

Copyright © 2011, 2007, 2003, 1999 by Mosby, Inc., an affiliate of Elsevier Inc. Quality of Life  A person may have one or many health problems.  The care you give affects the person’s quality of life.  Protect the right to privacy and confidentiality.  Protect the right to personal choice.  Protect the right to be free from abuse, mistreatment, and neglect.  Follow Standard Precautions and the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard. Slide 13