cancer

Question 1

how do tumours form

Answer 1

tumour forms when control of cell growth is lost, resulting in cells growing in an abnormal, uncontrolled way

Question 2

what are benign tumours

Answer 2

growths of abnormal cells contained in one plane (usually within a membrane)

Question 3

do benign tumours spread

Answer 3

do not invade other parts of the body but can grow very large very quick

Question 4

when can benign tumours be dangerous

Answer 4

• if it causes pressure or damage to an organ it can be life-threatening
• can be dangerous if there is no extra space for them to grow into (eg brain)

Question 5

what do malignant tumours do

Answer 5

spread around body infecting healthy neighbouring tissues

Question 6

how do tumours spread

Answer 6

• initial tumour may split up, realising small clumps of cells into the the bloodstream
• they circulate and are spread to different parts of the body
• they continue cell division into secondary tumours

Question 7

what are four causes of cancer

Answer 7

• clear genetic risk factors
• most cancers are results of mutations (chemicals such as tar in tobacco can cause mutations that trigger formation of tumours)
• ionising radiation can also interrupt the normal cell cycle
• virus infections (HPV)

Question 8

what are two treatments for cancer

Answer 8

• radiotherapy
  
  • destroyed by targeted dosed of radiation
  • can also damage healthy cells
• chemotherapy
  
  • stop the cancer from dividing