Neurologic complications of cancer and its treatment

Cancer and its Effects on the Body

Cancer is a disease that occurs when aberrant cells divide uncontrollably and form tumors. Cancer cells infiltrate normal tissues and spread throughout the body. Cancer can have a devastating effect on the entire body because tumors can disrupt the regular functioning of the digestive, circulatory, and neural systems. Tumors are aberrant cell proliferations that can be either malignant or benign. A malignant tumor has been shown to infect healthy tissue and spread to other sections of the body via the lymphatic and circulatory systems. This type of tumor has been identified as the most dangerous based on its ability to metastasize and invade normally functioning tissues (Sedat, Mine & Zeynep, 2011). On the other hand, benign tumors are those cancer cells that remain confined in the same area of infection and do not invade the surrounding healthy tissues.

The Clonality of Tumor and Cancer Progression

During the development of cancer, the most fundamental feature is the clonality of tumor. The process starts with X chromosome being inactivated and converted to heterochromatin which is the female cells. Since the normal cells are composed of inactive X chromosomes, the female heterozygous expresses different alleles where the tumor tissues are produced. Thus, cancer development is a multistep process which entails tumor initiation due to genetic alteration. The other process is the tumor progression which involves the rapid growth of the cells and becomes dominant. The process is known as clonal selection which continues all along the development of tumors which grow at a high rate and finally becomes malignant (Sedat et al., 2011).

Causes of Cancer

Cancer is caused by substances such as radiation, viruses and also chemicals. These are actinic radiations which damage the human DNA and induce mutation. Several initiating agents lead to human cancer and carcinogens are believed to be the primary elements responsible for the induction of cancer cells mutation. The carcinogenic chemicals emanate from tobacco smoke which is a leading cause of the disorder. The use of tobacco has contributed to a larger percentage of lung cancer occurrence as compared to other agents. Other carcinogens contribute to the proliferation of cells rather than causing cell mutation. These substances are known as tumor promoters since they are the compounds that induce the cell division during the early stages of the tumor development. (Sedat, et al., 2011).

Role of Hormones and Viruses in Cancer Development

According to Sedat et al. (2011), hormones such as estrogens play a critical role in the development of human cancer. As a tumor a promoter, estrogen stimulates the proliferation of the endometrium uterine cell and exposure to more of it increases the likelihood of endometrial cancer. Viruses also contribute to the development of the disease. For instance, cancer of the liver and the cervix are caused by viruses. Cancer cells grow uncontrollably due to the accumulation of abnormalities and thus affecting the regulatory mechanisms of the cells. The abnormal cells’ behavior is entirely different from healthy cells. The malignant tumor cells are characterized by differentiated survival and unusual mechanisms that regulate the usual proliferation of the cells.

Diagnosis and Staging of Cancer

Cancer diagnosis is made through physical exams, lab tests, and computerized scanning. While conducting a physical review, the physician observes the lump or tumor presence, changes in the skin color, or any enlargements on specific organs. Lab tests involve blood and urine tests, and presence of protein (CA 125) indicates that a patient has cancer. Staging is an essential driver of cancer detection. Cancer has different stages which require various clinical audits to ascertain concrete information which is critical in the diagnostic investigations. Staging refers to the evaluation of the extent to which cancer has progressed and is mainly based on how large the tumor has grown and spread throughout the body. Tumor classifications are done through analyzing their stages. According to Majano, Fowler, Maringe, Girolamo & Rachet (2016), the algorithm described used when staging cancer is based on TNM classification of malignant tumors. Staging is done through various methods such as X-rays, and lab tests. The TNM system of staging is the most commonly used staging system. T describes the extent and size of the primary tumor. N illustrates the number of tumors or lymph nodes which have manifested themselves. Lastly, M represents metastasis which is the extent by which cancer has spread to the other parts of the body. The algorithm is divided into two distinct sections where the first part entails derivation of TNM components from both the clinical and pathological information. It involves pathological classifications and relies on clinical findings. The second part encompasses the definitions of the TNM grouping which helps in determining the stage of the condition. It also involves the ascertaining and examining the value of TNM.

The Impact of Cancer on the Lives of Patients

The number of cancer survivors has been increasing over the years. The chronic disease is associated with trauma and suffering especially during its initial stages of cancer when the patients are shocked, panics, and experience denial and hopelessness. The patients, as well as their relatives, have a difficult time trying to cope with the medical requirements, the side effects of the various treatment approaches, and are forced to accept the possibility of death which significantly affects their life (Sedat, Mine & Zeynep, 2011). The diagnosis of cancer has resulted in psychological and physiological burdens to the patient since it negatively affects the patients’ families as well as their social status. The involvement of nurses in the treatment of cancer is very crucial since it is based on holistic approach and continuous attendance of the victims. According to Lavdaniti (2017), the needs of cancer patients depends on the psychological, social, spiritual, physical and financial position. The holistic approach is a philosophy employed by nurses and entails the integration of all life dimensions. The strategy demands the consideration of the prevailing circumstances and the eventual progression of the disease. Health care providers are required to adjust their services to conform to psychological, physical, social, and spiritual needs of the patient.

Treatment Methods and Side Effects

In recent times, various therapeutic methods have been introduced in the treatment of cancer. The different modes of treatment are determined by the type and the stage of the disease. They include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, biologic therapies, as well as bone marrow suppression. On the other hand, the above modes of treatment are associated with several side effects including fatigue, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, alopecia, nausea, loss of appetite, concentration problems, changes in skin and nails, impaired sexual functions and body image alteration among others (Lavdaniti, 2017). The patients’ quality life is affected by these side effects thus interfering with their social and emotional experience.

Complications of Cancer Treatment

During cancer treatment, several complications may occur. For instance, older patients have several characteristics which make it complicated to treat the disease. These features include cognitive impairment, increased side effects in treatment, and altered physiology. According to Giglio and Gilbert (2013), cancer can cause complication that results in brain metastases. The metastases occur mostly from breast and lung cancer and mainly develops in the cerebral hemisphere. The other complication associated with cancer treatment is the spine metastases which affects the bone structure of the spine. The condition can result from lung, breast, and prostate cancer. The other complication that may arise during cancer treatment is the peripheral nervous system metastases. The complication is associated with direct infiltration or compression of the nerves which results in a partial or complete destruction of the plexus. The complication can also lead to numbness with patients experiencing orofacial numbness that affects the chin or lower lip.

Providing Holistic Care for Cancer Patients

Cancer is a disease that affects all aspects of human beings like psychology, sociology, physical disorders, and medicine. Patients who have cancer should be provided with the highest level of attendance and care. Psycho-social nursing care is essential from the early to the final stages of the condition. Different patients record various problems and health needs which vary depending on the stage or phase of the disease. Sadness, fear, anger, pessimism, and reconciliation are some of the problems faced individuals with the disease (Lavdaniti 2017). Nurses have critical roles as far as psychological support is concerned. They should ensure that they develop excellent communication skills that enable them to interact freely with the patient. The mutual relationship helps in the reduction of distress as well as unrests associated with the patients’ physical impairments and also helps in the improvement of their quality of life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is the responsibility of both family members and the health providers to ensure that they provide a holistic care that will enhance the treatment and improve the quality life of cancer patients. Additionally, both parties should take into consideration the recent scientific research that provides valuable information concerning advanced treatment and care to people who have cancer. The patients have various needs and complications, and it is the responsibility of these parties to come up with a carefully crafted and individualized care plans. Additionally, it is essential to consider the psycho-social well-being as well as the physical effects that cancer causes in different patients and respond to those problems in most effective ways.

References

Giglio, P., & Gilbert, M. R. (2010). Neurologic complications of cancer and its treatment. Current Oncology Reports, 12(1), 50–59. doi:org/10.1007/s11912-009-0071-x

Lavdaniti M (2017). Holistic nursing approach to patients with cancer. Journal of Nursing and Care, 6(1). 1-2. doi:10.4172/2167-1168.1000e136

Majano, S.B., Fowler, H., Maringe, C., Girolamo, C.D., & Rachet, B. (2016). Deriving stage at diagnosis from multiple populations- based sources. British Journal of Cancer, 115(1). 391-400.doi: 10.1038/bjc.2016.1770.

Sedat, O., Mine, O., & Zeynep, A. (2011). Cultural meaning of cancer suffering. Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, 33(1). 102-104. doi:10/1097/MPH.