Page 1258 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

CHAPTER 44

Oncological and Hematological

Problems

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Priority Concepts
Cellular Regulation; Safety

I. Cancer
A. Description
1. Cancer is a malignant neoplastic disorder that can
involve all body organs with manifestations that vary
according to the body system affected and type of
tumor cells.
2. Cells lose their normal growth-controlling mechanism,
and the growth of cells is uncontrolled.
3. Cancer produces serious health problems such as
impaired immune and hematopoietic (blood-
producing) function, altered gastrointestinal tract
structure and function, motor and sensory deficits,
and decreased respiratory function.
B. Metastasis (Box 44-1)
1. Cancer cells move from their original location to other
sites.
2. Routes of metastasis
a. Local seeding: Distribution of shed
cancer cells occurs in the local area of
the primary tumor.
b. Bloodborne metastasis: Tumor cells
enter the blood, which is the most
common cause of cancer spread.
c. Lymphatic spread: Primary sites rich in
lymphatics are more susceptible to
early metastatic spread.
C. Cancer classification
1. Solid tumors: Associated with the organs from which
they develop, such as breast cancer or lung cancer
2. Hematological cancers: Originate from blood cell–
forming tissues, such as leukemias, lymphomas, and
multiple myeloma

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