NRS 220 Alterations in Cellular Metabolism
MDS is a group of disorders that is caused by the formation of abnormal cells in the bone marrow which can cause anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. It is most common over the age of 60. Treatment options for MDS include blood and platelet transfusions, and management of symptoms. Erythropoietin can be prescribed. Chelation therapy may also be indicated due to the need for frequent blood transfusions which can result in iron overload. Chelation therapy is the chemical binding of iron and removal from the body. There are also some medications that can be prescribed for iron overload sucn as deferasirox and deferoxamine mesylate
Lymphomas are cancers of the lymphoid tissues which is part of the immune system. Lymphomas are an abnormal overgrowth of one type of leukocyte- the lymphocyte.
This type of lymphoma can affect any age group however, it appears to peak in two different age groups: 1) teens and young adults 2) adults in their 50's and 60's Testing van be done and if a marker called the Reed- Sternberg cell is present then a diagnosis of Hodgkin's Lymphoma can be made. When performing an assessment on a patient they may present with large, painless lymph nodes, usually in the neck, which becomes painful when alcohol ingested. Other symptoms include fever, drenching night sweats, and unexplained weight loss The disease can be confirmed by a biopsy of node or mass.
Hodgkins lymphoma is one of the most treatable types of cancer. Treatments include external radiation, chemotherapy and combination radiation and chemotherapy ATvM
Non Hodgkin's Lyphomas are all lymphoid cancers that do not have the Reed-Sternberg cell. There are more than 12 types of non- Hodgkin's lymphoma that represents 3% of all cancer related deaths ( ACS, 2008). The incidence has nearly doubled over the past 3 decades. Treatments include chemotherapy and stem cell transplant.
Multiple myeloma is a white blood cell cancer that involves a more mature lymphocyte called a plasma cell. The disease is rare in people younger than 40. Patients may be asymptomatic or experience symptoms such as fatigue, anemia or bone pain Interventions include chemotherapy, autologous stem cell transplant, analgesics and alternative approaches for pain management
There are different types of skin cancer that can be present. The incidence of skin cancer is highest among light-skinned races and people older than 60 years ( ACS,2008). recommends for me to come every 6 months to have a full body check. Actinic keratoses- premalignant lesions of the cells of the epidermis Squamous cell carcinomas- cancers of the epidermis. They can invade locally and are potentially metastatic. Basal cell carcinomas- arise from the basal cell layer of the epidermis Melanomas— this cancer is highly metastatic; survival depends on early diagnosis and treatment
ABCD Rule When people are performing skin checks on themselves the ABCD rule should be followed. This stands for: A-asymmetry B-border C- color D-diameter Q
There are different types of surgery that can be performed to help treat skin cancer. It is the most common mean of managing any type of skin cancer. These are nice to know but not need to know! Cryosurgery is when liquid nitrogen is placed on the skin and causes cell death. Curettage and electrodesiccation is used for small lesions not melanoma. Excision is used for biopsy of small lesions Mohs' surgery- is a specialized form of excision, used to treat basal and squamous cell and Wide excision- is used for deeper melanoma or other skin cancers that are large or invasive.
Drug therapy may involve topical or systemic chemotherapy. Psychosocial support once again will be very important since the treated areas can become inflamed as the lesions crust, ooze and erode. Biotherapy is another accepted treatment. There are also other types of experimental drugs available. Radiation therapy for skin cancer is usually limited to older patients with large, deeply invasive basal cell tumors and to those who are a poor risk for surgery