Treatments for Abdominal Cancer
Treatments for Abdominal Cancer
The list of treatments mentioned in various sources
for Abdominal Cancer
includes the following list.
Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment
or change in treatment plans.
- Surgical treatment: may remove tumour, part of affected organ or all of affected organ; lymph nodes or associated/nearby structures may also be removed depending on the type of tumour
- Radiotherapy - in addition to or instead of surgery for localised tumours or to reduce symptoms
- Chemotherapy for malignant tumours and metastases
- Iron supplementation for tumours where blood is lost eg colorectal cancer
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Abdominal Pain in Lower Quadrants:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Hemodynamically unstable patients require immediate resuscitation
–Replace volume with normal saline and possibly a blood transfusion
–Evidence of hemorrhage (e.g., ruptured AAA, ruptured ectopic pregnancy) or early sepsis (e.g., perforated diverticulitis, perforated bowel) may be a life-threatening emergency that requires urgent surgical intervention
-
Place nasogastric tube for obstruction or persistent vomiting
-
Administer broad-spectrum empiric antibiotics if a perforated viscus or intra-abdominal infection is suspected
-
Direct treatment toward the specific condition
-
Consider gynecology or surgery referral
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Abdominal Pain in Upper Quadrants:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Rule out or treat serious causes of pain (e.g., bowel obstruction, cholangitis, MI, PE)
-
Urgent surgical intervention may be indicated for aortic aneurysm, splenic infarct, perforated viscus, and intestinal obstruction or infarct
-
Esophagitis, gastritis, PUD, and GERD are primarily treated with lifestyle changes (e.g., avoid causative foods or medications) and PPIs or H2 blockers
–Rule out malignancies in older patients or those with suggestive histories
-
Pancreatitis: Aggressive IV hydration for lost fluids and third spacing; antibiotics; nasogastric tube insertion if vomiting; bowel rest; and narcotics for pain
-
Gastroenteritis: Rehydration, correct electrolytes
-
Intestinal obstruction: Bowel rest, surgery
-
Cardiac and pulmonary etiologies are treated per protocols (e.g., supplemental O2, aspirin, β-blocker, nitrates for MI;
O2, heparin and/or thrombolytics for PE; O2, appropriate
antibiotics for pneumonia)
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Abdominal Pain with Rebound Tenderness:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Hemodynamically unstable patients require immediate resuscitation
–Replace volume with normal saline and/or blood transfusion
–Evidence of hemorrhage (e.g., ruptured AAA, ruptured ectopic pregnancy) or early sepsis (e.g., perforated diverticulitis, perforated bowel) may represent a life-threatening emergency that requires urgent surgical intervention
Place nasogastric tube for obstruction or persistent vomiting
Administer broad-spectrum empiric antibiotics if a perforated viscus or intra-abdominal infection is suspected
Direct treatment toward the underlying condition
–Definitive surgical repair of ruptured aneurysm, bowel perforation, ectopic pregnancy, or other pathology
–Bowel rest and possible colon resection for diverticulitis or bowel obstruction
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Abdominal Masses:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Immediate attention to life-threatening causes (e.g., ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm)
-
Most cases of abdominal masses are treatable once the etiology is identified
-
Many malignant and benign masses (e.g., fibroids, hernia) require surgical intervention
-
Infectious causes require antibiotics and may require operative intervention (e.g., abscess drainage)
-
Constipation is typically treated with laxatives, enemas, and increased dietary fiber and fluids; manual disimpaction is reserved for fecal impaction; discontinue offending medications (e.g., narcotics)
-
Hirschsprung's disease may require operative treatment
-
Ogilvie's syndrome responds to decompression by rectal tube or IV neostigmine
-
Organomegaly typically resolves once the underlying process is treated (e.g., mononucleosis resulting in splenomegaly)
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Abdominal Pain:
Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
-
If concerned about “surgical abdomen,” consult surgery
–Appendicitis, ovarian torsion, hydrometrocolpos
-
Treat infections with antibiotics
-
Eliminate offending carbohydrate in intolerance
–Lactase supplementation for lactose intolerance
-
Irritable bowel syndrome or functional pain
–Identifying stressors may be helpful
–Antispasmodics have similar action to placebo
–Tricyclic antidepressants at low doses are helpful
particularly if pain is associated with diarrhea
-
Counseling may be needed for chronic pain
-
Stop offending drugs if possible
-
Constipation
–Disimpaction if significant fecal mass
–Stool softeners/laxatives, increased dietary fiber
-
Drain abscess
-
PUD/GERD: Acid blockade therapy
-
Pancreatitis: Bowel rest, pain management
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Abdominal Masses:
Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
-
Depends on specific etiology
-
Respiratory and hemodynamic stability of the patient must be secured before any evaluation or treatment
-
Prompt involvement of a pediatric surgeon, neurosurgeon, oncologist, urologist/urologic surgeon, gynecologist, or gastroenterologist will help streamline the approach
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Abdominal distention:
Emergency interventions
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
If the patient displays abdominal distention, quickly check for signs of hypovolemia, such as pallor, diaphoresis, hypotension, a rapid thready pulse, rapid shallow breathing, decreased urine output, and altered mentation. Ask the patient if he’s experiencing severe abdominal pain or difficulty breathing. Find out about any recent accidents, and observe him for signs of trauma and peritoneal bleeding, such as Cullen’s sign or Turner’s sign. Then auscultate all abdominal quadrants, noting rapid and high-pitched, diminished, or absent bowel sounds. (If you don’t hear bowel sounds immediately, listen for at least 5 minutes in each of the four abdominal quadrants.) Gently palpate the abdomen for rigidity. Remember that deep or extensive palpation may increase pain.
If you detect abdominal distention and rigidity along with abnormal bowel sounds and if the patient complains of pain, begin emergency interventions. Place the patient in the supine position, administer oxygen, and insert an I.V. line for fluid replacement. Prepare to insert a nasogastric tube to relieve acute intraluminal distention. Reassure the patient and prepare him for surgery.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Abdominal mass:
Emergency interventions
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
If the patient has a pulsating midabdominal mass and severe abdominal or back pain, suspect an aortic aneurysm. Quickly take his vital signs. Because the patient may require emergency surgery, withhold food or fluids until he’s examined. Prepare to administer oxygen and to start an I.V. infusion for fluid and blood replacement. Obtain routine preoperative tests, and prepare the patient for angiography. Frequently monitor blood pressure, pulse, respirations, and urine output.
Be alert for signs of shock, such as tachycardia, hypotension, and cool, clammy skin, which may indicate significant blood loss.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Abdominal pain:
Emergency interventions
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
If the patient is experiencing sudden and severe abdominal pain, quickly take his vital signs and palpate pulses below the waist. Be alert for signs of hypovolemic shock, such as tachycardia and hypotension. Obtain I.V. access.
Emergency surgery may be required if the patient also has mottled skin below the waist and a pulsating epigastric mass or rebound tenderness and rigidity.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Malignant spinal neoplasms:
Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Treatment of spinal cord tumors generally includes decompression or radiation. Laminectomy is indicated for primary tumors that produce spinal cord or cauda equina compression; it isn't usually indicated for metastatic tumors. If the tumor is slowly progressive or if it's treated before the cord degenerates from compression, symptoms are likely to disappear, and complete restoration of function is possible. In a patient with metastatic carcinoma or lymphoma who suddenly experiences complete transverse myelitis with spinal shock, functional improvement is unlikely, even with treatment, and his outlook is ominous. If the patient has incomplete paraplegia of rapid onset, emergency surgical decompression may save cord function. Steroid therapy with dexamethasone minimizes cord edema and temporarily relieves symptoms until surgery can be performed. Partial removal of intramedullary gliomas, followed by radiation, may alleviate symptoms for a short time. Metastatic extradural tumors can be controlled with radiation, analgesics and, in the case of hormone-mediated tumors (breast and prostate), appropriate hormone therapy. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may control radicular pain from spinal cord tumors and is a useful alternative to opioid analgesics. In TENS, an electrical charge is applied to the skin to stimulate large-diameter nerve fibers and thereby inhibit transmission of pain impulses through small-diameter nerve fibers. Chemotherapy generally hasn't proven effective against most spinal tumors, but may be recommended in some cases.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Abdominal distention:
Emergency interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
If the patient displays abdominal distention, quickly check for signs of hypovolemia, such as pallor, diaphoresis, hypotension, rapid and thready pulse, rapid and shallow breathing, decreased urine output, poor capillary refill, and altered mentation. Ask the patient if he’s experiencing severe abdominal pain or difficulty breathing. Find out about any recent accidents, and observe the patient for signs of trauma and peritoneal bleeding, such as Cullen’s sign or Turner’s sign. Then auscultate all abdominal quadrants, noting rapid and high-pitched, diminished, or absent bowel sounds. (If you don’t hear bowel sounds immediately, listen for at least 5 minutes.) Gently palpate the abdomen for rigidity. Remember that deep or extensive palpation may increase pain.
If you detect abdominal distention and rigidity along with abnormal bowel sounds, and the patient complains of pain, begin emergency interventions. Place the patient in the supine position, administer oxygen, and insert an I.V. line for fluid replacement. Prepare to insert a nasogastric tube to relieve acute intraluminal distention. Reassure the patient and prepare him for surgery.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Abdominal mass:
Emergency interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
If the patient has a pulsating midabdominal mass and severe abdominal or back pain, suspect an aortic aneurysm. Quickly take his vital signs. Because the patient may require emergency surgery, withhold food or fluids until the patient is examined. Prepare to administer oxygen and to start an I.V. infusion for fluid and blood replacement. Obtain routine preoperative tests, and prepare the patient for angiography. Frequently monitor blood pressure, pulse rate, respirations, and urine output.
Be alert for signs of shock, such as tachycardia, hypotension, and cool, clammy skin, which may indicate significant blood loss.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Abdominal pain:
Emergency interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
If the patient is experiencing sudden and severe abdominal pain, quickly take his vital signs and palpate pulses below the waist. Be alert for signs of hypovolemic shock, such as tachycardia and hypotension. Obtain I.V. access.
Emergency surgery may be required if the patient also has mottled skin below the waist and a pulsating epigastric mass or rebound tenderness and rigidity.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Abdominal pain:
Nursing considerations
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
Help the patient find a comfortable position to ease his distress. A supine position, with his head flat on the table, arms at his sides, and knees slightly flexed, will relax the abdominal muscles. Monitor him closely because abdominal pain can signal a life-threatening disorder.
ALERT: Be particularly vigilant for such indications as tachycardia, hypotension, clammy skin, abdominal rigidity, rebound tenderness, a change in the pain’s location or intensity, or sudden relief from the pain, which indicate a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. Notify the physician immediately and prepare the patient for emergency surgery. Initiate oxygen therapy, verify that a patent I.V. line is in place, and administer fluids or blood products as ordered.
Withhold analgesics to avoid masking symptoms that may help to determine the diagnosis; also, withhold food and fluids because the patient may require surgery. Prepare for I.V. infusion and insertion of a nasogastric or other intestinal tube. Peritoneal lavage or abdominal paracentesis may also be required.
Patient teaching
Inform the patient that pain relief medications may not be ordered immediately because such agents can mask findings that would facilitate diagnosis. Analgesics can also interfere with surgical medications and might therefore be withheld until it’s determined whether surgery will be necessary. Teach the patient how to use positioning to help alleviate discomfort. Inform him about what to expect from diagnostic testing, which may include pelvic and rectal examinations, X-rays and computed tomography scans, barium studies, and collection of blood, urine, and stool samples. Ultrasonography, endoscopy, and biopsy may also be performed. If surgery is needed, provide preoperative teaching.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007
Abdominal distention:
Emergency Actions
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
If the patient displays abdominal distention, quickly check for signs of hypovolemia, such as pallor; diaphoresis; hypotension; rapid, thready pulse; rapid, shallow breathing; decreased urine output; poor capillary refill; and altered mentation. Ask the patient if he’s experiencing severe abdominal pain or difficulty breathing. Find out about any recent accidents, and observe the patient for signs of trauma and peritoneal bleeding, such as Cullen’s sign or Turner’s sign. Then auscultate all abdominal quadrants, noting rapid and high-pitched, diminished, or absent bowel sounds. (If you don’t hear bowel sounds immediately, listen for at least 5 minutes.) Gently palpate the abdomen for rigidity. Remember that deep or extensive palpation may increase pain.
If you detect abdominal distention and rigidity along with abnormal bowel sounds and the patient complains of pain, begin emergency interventions. Place the patient in the supine position, administer oxygen, and insert an I.V. line for fluid replacement. Prepare to insert a nasogastric tube to relieve acute intraluminal distention. Reassure the patient, and prepare him for surgery.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Abdominal mass:
Emergency Actions
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
If the patient has a pulsating midabdominal mass and severe abdominal or back pain, suspect an aortic aneurysm. Quickly take his vital signs. Because the patient may require emergency surgery, withhold food and fluids until the patient is examined. Prepare to administer oxygen and to start an I.V. infusion for fluid and blood replacement. Obtain routine preoperative tests, and prepare the patient for angiography. Frequently monitor blood pressure, pulse, respirations, and urine output. Be alert for signs of shock, such as tachycardia, hypotension, and cool, clammy skin, which may indicate significant blood loss.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Abdominal pain:
Emergency Actions
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
If the patient is experiencing sudden and severe abdominal pain, quickly take his vital signs and palpate pulses below the waist. Be alert for signs of hypovolemic shock, such as tachycardia and hypotension. Obtain I.V. access. Emergency surgery may be required if the patient also has mottled skin below the waist and a pulsating epigastric mass or rebound tenderness and rigidity.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Abdominal distention:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Position the patient comfortably, using pillows for support.
▪ If the patient has flatus, place him on his left side to help flatus escape.
▪ If the patient has ascites, elevate the head of the bed to ease his breathing.
▪ Insert a nasogastric tube for bowel compression; monitor amount and type of drainage.
▪ Administer drugs to relieve pain, and offer emotional support.
▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as abdominal X-rays, endoscopy, laparoscopy, ultrasonography, computed tomography scan or, possibly, paracentesis.
▪ Prepare the patient for surgery, if indicated.
Patient teaching
▪ Teach the patient to use slow deep breathing to help relieve abdominal discomfort.
▪ If the patient has an obstruction or ascites, tell him which foods and fluids to avoid.
▪ Emphasize the importance of oral hygiene to prevent dry mouth.
▪ Explain the underlying disorder and treatment plan.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Abdominal mass:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Offer emotional support to the patient and his family as they await the results of diagnostic testing.
▪ Position the patient comfortably, and administer drugs for pain or anxiety as needed.
▪ If an abdominal mass causes bowel obstruction, watch for indications of peritonitis—abdominal pain and rebound tenderness—and for signs of shock, such as tachycardia and hypotension.
▪ Prepare the patient for surgery, if indicated.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain any diagnostic tests that are needed.
▪ Teach the patient about the cause of the abdominal mass, once a diagnosis is made. Also explain treatment and potential outcomes.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Abdominal pain:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Place the patient in a position of comfort.
▪ Monitor him for tachycardia, hypotension, clammy skin, abdominal rigidity, rebound tenderness, a change in the pain's location or intensity, or sudden relief from the pain since abdominal pain can signal a life-threatening disorder.
▪ Administer analgesics, as ordered, and evaluate their effect.
▪ Withhold food and fluids because surgery may be needed.
▪ Prepare for I.V. infusion and insertion of a nasogastric or other intestinal tube.
▪ Anticipate the need for peritoneal lavage or abdominal paracentesis.
▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic procedures, such as a pelvic and rectal examination; blood, urine, and stool tests; imaging studies; barium studies; ultrasonography; endoscopy; and biopsy.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain the diagnostic tests the patient will need.
▪ Explain the underlying disorder and treatment plan.
▪ Explain which foods and fluids the patient shouldn't have.
▪ Tell the patient to report any changes in bowel habits.
▪ Instruct the patient how to position himself to alleviate symptoms.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
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