20.4 (Benign vs Malignant tumours)

Question 1

How do they grow?

Answer 1

Both can grow to a large size

Question 2

How do they grow speedwise?

Answer 2

B: very slowly
M: rapidly

Question 3

what do their cell nucleus looks like?

Answer 3

B: relatively normal appearance
M: often large, appears darker due to an abundance of DNA

Question 4

what is their differentiation (specialisation) like?

Answer 4

B: often well differentiated (specialised)
M: become de-differentiated (unspecialised)

Question 5

what is their adhesion production like?

Answer 5

B: adhesion molecules produced, make them stick together, so remain within primary tumour
M: don’t produce adhesion molecules, tend to spread to other regions by metastasis (form 2nd tumours)

Question 6

Are the tumours surrounded?

Answer 6

B: surrounded by a capsule of dense tissue, compact structure
M: not surrounded by capsule, can grow projections into surrounding tissue

Question 7

Are they life threatening?

Answer 7

B: less likely, but can disrupt function of vital organs
M: more likely, abnormal tissue replaces normal tissue

Question 8

What are their effects like?

Answer 8

B: localised effects on the body
M: often systemic effects (weight loss and fatigue)

Question 9

Can they be removed?

Answer 9

B: usually removed by surgery alone
M: usually involves radiotherapy/chemotherapy and surgery

Question 10

Can they reoccur after treatment?

Answer 10

B: rarely
M: more frequently