Chapter - 35
Cancer
Cancer is known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a broad group of diseases involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invading nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream. Not all tumors are cancerous; benign tumors do not invade neighboring tissues and do not spread throughout the body. There are over 200 different known cancers that affect humans.
The causes of cancer are diverse, complex, and only partially understood. Many things are known to increase the risk of cancer, including tobacco use, dietary factors, certain infections, exposure to radiation, …show more content…
All people need food to live. Sometimes a person cannot eat any or enough food because of an illness. The stomach or bowel may not be working normally, or a person may have had surgery to remove part or all of these organs. When this occurs, and you are unable to eat, nutrition must be supplied in a different way. Parenteral nutrition supplies the nutrients that some patients cannot get on their own. These nutrients are vital in maintaining high energy, hydration, and strength levels. People of all ages have received parenteral nutrition. It may be given to infants and children, as well as to adults. People can live very well on parenteral nutrition for as long as it is needed. Many times, parenteral nutrition is used for a short time; then it is removed when the person can begin to eat normally again. Parenteral nutrition bypasses the normal digestion in the stomach and bowel. It is a special liquid food mixture given into the blood through an intravenous (IV) catheter (needle in the vein). The mixture contains proteins, carbohydrates (sugars), fats, vitamins and minerals (such as calcium). This special mixture may be called parenteral nutrition and was once called total parenteral nutrition (TPN), or …show more content…
Parenteral nutrition is used to prevent malnutrition in patients who are unable to obtain adequate nutrients by oral or enteral routes.[4] The benefit of TPN to cancer patients is largely debated, and studies to date have generally showed minimal long term benefit. There is no evidence to support the idea that intravenous nutrition ‘feeds the cancer, not the patient’. TPN requires anywhere from 10-16 hours to be administered, daily life can be affected. Although daily lifestyle can be changed, most patients agree that these changes are better than staying at the hospital. Many different types of pumps exist to limit the time the patient is “hooked-up”. Usually a backpack pump is used, allowing for mobility. The time required to be connected to the IV is dependent on the situation of each patient; some require once a day, or five days a week. It is important for patients to avoid as much TPN related change as possible in their lifestyles. This allows for the best possible mental health situation; constantly being held down can lead to resentment and depression. Physical activity is also highly encouraged, but patients must
Cancer
Cancer is known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a broad group of diseases involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invading nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream. Not all tumors are cancerous; benign tumors do not invade neighboring tissues and do not spread throughout the body. There are over 200 different known cancers that affect humans.
The causes of cancer are diverse, complex, and only partially understood. Many things are known to increase the risk of cancer, including tobacco use, dietary factors, certain infections, exposure to radiation, …show more content…
All people need food to live. Sometimes a person cannot eat any or enough food because of an illness. The stomach or bowel may not be working normally, or a person may have had surgery to remove part or all of these organs. When this occurs, and you are unable to eat, nutrition must be supplied in a different way. Parenteral nutrition supplies the nutrients that some patients cannot get on their own. These nutrients are vital in maintaining high energy, hydration, and strength levels. People of all ages have received parenteral nutrition. It may be given to infants and children, as well as to adults. People can live very well on parenteral nutrition for as long as it is needed. Many times, parenteral nutrition is used for a short time; then it is removed when the person can begin to eat normally again. Parenteral nutrition bypasses the normal digestion in the stomach and bowel. It is a special liquid food mixture given into the blood through an intravenous (IV) catheter (needle in the vein). The mixture contains proteins, carbohydrates (sugars), fats, vitamins and minerals (such as calcium). This special mixture may be called parenteral nutrition and was once called total parenteral nutrition (TPN), or …show more content…
Parenteral nutrition is used to prevent malnutrition in patients who are unable to obtain adequate nutrients by oral or enteral routes.[4] The benefit of TPN to cancer patients is largely debated, and studies to date have generally showed minimal long term benefit. There is no evidence to support the idea that intravenous nutrition ‘feeds the cancer, not the patient’. TPN requires anywhere from 10-16 hours to be administered, daily life can be affected. Although daily lifestyle can be changed, most patients agree that these changes are better than staying at the hospital. Many different types of pumps exist to limit the time the patient is “hooked-up”. Usually a backpack pump is used, allowing for mobility. The time required to be connected to the IV is dependent on the situation of each patient; some require once a day, or five days a week. It is important for patients to avoid as much TPN related change as possible in their lifestyles. This allows for the best possible mental health situation; constantly being held down can lead to resentment and depression. Physical activity is also highly encouraged, but patients must