Causes and Treatments of Tumors

A papanicolaou test (pap smear) may be preformed routinely on adult women as a screening for cervical cancer. A rapid antigen detection test (rapid strep test), urine analysis, cervical cerclage, or vaginal ultrasound would not be part of routine screening.

Green tea has not been proven to decrease the risk of developing cancer. All other precautions have been shown to decrease the risk of developing various cancers.

Helicobacter pylori is present in the stomach of 60% of individuals with gastric cancer. Cancer in these cases may be caused by chronic inflammation at the site of infection, resulting in metaplasia.

Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, and Escherichia coli are all common causes of gastroenteritis but are not associated with malignancy.

Chemotherapeutic agents are often very irritating to the tissue if they unintentionally travel to areas outside the vein. They can cause severe tissue loss and degradation. Patients receiving chemotherapy need to be monitored closely for signs of infiltration.

People receiving chemotherapy should flush the toilet twice after use for at least 48 hours to avoid exposing anybody else to the byproducts of the chemotherapy drugs. Wearing gloves when preparing foods, throwing away linens, using excessive bleach, and drinking bottled water are not necessary and do not significantly reduce risk to others.

Methotrexate is a chemotherapeutic agent. Levofloxacin is an antibiotic, lamotrigine is a mood stabilizer, gabapentin is an anti-epileptic agent, and furosemide is a diuretic.

A diet high in soluble fiber will help to decrease the effects of diarrhea. Note that soluble fiber also provides relief from constipation. Senokot-S is a stool softener that will cause increased diarrhea. Remaining sedentary and not eating are not necessary and will not help a patient recovering from chemotherapy.

Hair loss can be alarming if large amounts of hair are seen in linens. Shampooing, brushing, heat tools, and hair dyes can increase fallout. The nurse should welcome healthy discussion about self esteem if appropriate.

Thrombocytopenia occurs when the blood does not have a high enough platelet count. Slow clotting blood, increased bruising, or petechiae can all point to thrombocytopenia.

Smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure are among the most common risk factors for development of renal cell carcinoma. Other risk factors include genetic susceptibility, diuretic use, and male gender. Alcohol consumption has not been associated with increased rates of renal cell cancer.