A patient with cancer is admitted with a weight loss of 25 lbs. over the last month with progressive anorexia. The nurse suspects this patient is experiencing what physiological effect of cancer?
1. anorexia–cachexia syndrome
2. paraneoplastic syndrome
3. infection
4. esophageal obstruction
Correct Answer: 1
The anorexia–cachexia syndrome is specific to cancer because of the effect of cancer cells on the host's metabolism. The neoplastic cells divert nutrition to their own use while causing changes that reduce the patient's appetite. Early in the disease, glucose metabolism is altered, causing an increase in serum glucose levels. The tumor also secretes substances that decrease appetite by altering taste and smell and producing early satiety. Paraneoplastic syndromes are indirect effects of cancer. They may be early warning signs of cancer or indicate complications or return of a malignancy. An infection caused by cancer does not lead to anorexia. Esophageal obstruction is not a specific physiological effect of cancer.
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