RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To discuss the presentation, diagnosis, chemotherapy, surgical options, nursing management, and long-term outcomes of patients with testicular cancer. DATA SOURCES: Review and research articles, clinical experience. CONCLUSION: Testicular cancer is very treatable and the cure rate is approximately 95%. It is most common in men between the ages of 15 and 35. While early detection, diagnosis, and treatment are all important factors for treating the disease, fertility and quality of life are also important issues to address in patients with testicular cancer. IMPLICATION FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses must provide patient instruction regarding chemotherapy, surgery, fertility, and side effects of treatment. Serving as a patient advocate regarding fertility preservation and promoting quality of life are important factors for health professionals to consider.
Assuntos
Neoplasias Embrionárias de Células Germinativas/enfermagem , Neoplasias Embrionárias de Células Germinativas/terapia , Enfermagem Oncológica/métodos , Neoplasias Testiculares/enfermagem , Neoplasias Testiculares/terapia , Quimiorradioterapia/enfermagem , Humanos , Masculino , Neoplasias Embrionárias de Células Germinativas/cirurgia , Neoplasias Testiculares/cirurgiaRESUMO
Memory disorders in children and adolescents with brain tumors are rare, but devastating to social, academic, and vocational development. Many pediatric patients with intracranial germ cell tumors (GCTs) complain of memory difficulties. This study investigated memory across a series of GCT patients. A total of 33 GCT patients were retrospectively examined for diagnosis, imaging results, intelligence quotient, treatment variables, evidence of increased intracranial pressure at diagnosis, and memory. The incidence of amnesia in GCT patients was 55%. Memory disturbance could not be predicted by intelligence quotient, treatment, location of lesion, or hydrocephalus at diagnosis. The high incidence of memory deficits in GCT patients suggests a risk to memory in patients with GCT. Formal memory assessment should be considered in all patients with central nervous system GCTs. Specific counseling and planning to assist in adjustment and to ensure safety should be considered standard care for those with memory deficits. The nurse should be instrumental in facilitating understanding of this specific injury in the brain tumor population.