Cancer Flashcards
(42 cards)
What is a tumor?
An abnormal mass of tissue that results from cells dividing more than they should or not dying when they should. Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
What distinguishes benign tumors from malignant tumors?
Benign Tumors: Non-invasive, do not metastasize, grow slowly, and have well-defined boundaries.
- Malignant Tumors: Invasive, can metastasize, grow rapidly, and have irregular boundaries.
What does the term “neoplasm” refer to?
Any new and abnormal growth of tissue, either benign or malignant.
Define cancer
A malignant growth or tumor caused by abnormal, uncontrolled cell division that can invade nearby tissues and metastasize to distant parts of the body.
What is the difference between “contact inhibition” in normal cells and cancer cells?
Normal cells stop dividing when they come into contact with other cells (contact inhibition), while cancer cells lack this ability and continue dividing uncontrollably.
What is the significance of genetic mutations in cancer?
Genetic mutations disrupt normal cell growth and division, leading to uncontrolled proliferation and tumor formation.
List the key features of malignant tumors.
- Rapid growth.
- Lack of encapsulation.
- Invasiveness.
- Poor differentiation.
- High mitotic index.
- Ability to metastasize.
What does the TNM staging system stand for?
- T (Tumor): Size and extent of the primary tumor.
- N (Node): Involvement of nearby lymph nodes.
- M (Metastasis): Presence of distant metastases.
What are oncogenes?
Mutated or overexpressed proto-oncogenes that promote uncontrolled cell division, contributing to cancer development.
What is cancer cachexia?
A complex metabolic syndrome associated with advanced cancer, characterized by muscle wasting, systemic inflammation, and negative protein/energy balance.
What are paraneoplastic syndromes?
Disorders caused by cancer-related substances or immune responses, affecting various organ systems and not directly related to tumor location.
(This is normal the first sign of cancer)
What is carcinoma in situ (CIS)?
A group of abnormal cells that have the potential to become cancer but have not spread beyond their original location.
What is the role of cancer markers?
They help in cancer diagnosis, monitoring treatment, detecting recurrence, and sometimes screening.
What is the Warburg effect in cancer metabolism?
Cancer cells primarily rely on glycolysis for energy production, even in the presence of oxygen, to support rapid proliferation.
What is metastatic organotropism?
The tendency of cancer cells to preferentially spread to specific organs due to factors like blood flow and microenvironment compatibility.
What is pleomorphism in cancer cells?
Variability in size and shape among cancer cells, reflecting their abnormal growth and lack of organized structure.
What is the difference between adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma?
Adenocarcinoma: Originates from glandular or ductal epithelial tissue.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Arises from squamous epithelial cells.
What are the common risk factors for cancer?
- Genetic predisposition.
- Lifestyle factors (smoking, diet, alcohol).
- Environmental exposures (radiation, carcinogens).
- Hormonal imbalances.
- Infections (e.g., HPV for cervical cancer).
What are cancer stem cells (CSCs)?
A subpopulation of cancer cells that drive tumor growth, heterogeneity, and resistance to therapy, similar to normal stem cells in their ability to self-renew.
What is angiogenesis, and how does it relate to cancer?
The formation of new blood vessels; in cancer, it supports tumor growth by supplying oxygen and nutrients
What are the key characteristics of benign tumors?
- Slow growth.
- Well-defined capsule.
- Non-invasive.
- Well-differentiated cells.
- Low mitotic index.
- Do not metastasize.
How does chronic inflammation contribute to cancer progression?
Chronic inflammation promotes angiogenesis, immune suppression, and tissue remodeling, creating an environment conducive to tumor growth.
What are some common examples of cancer markers and their associated cancers?
AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein): Liver cancer, germ cell tumors.
- PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen): Prostate cancer.
- CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen): Colorectal, lung, breast cancers.
- Bence Jones Protein: Multiple myeloma.
- NSE (Neuron-Specific Enolase): Small cell lung cancer, neuroblastoma.
What is the role of tumor suppressor genes?
They regulate cell growth and division, promote apoptosis, and prevent uncontrolled proliferation. Mutations can lead to cancer.
