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Flashcards in Cancer Deck (22)
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1
Q

How cancer develops

A

Carcinogen (something that starts the cancer process, almost always environmental) damages DNA

Programs gene, gene = subject to mutation

Cell loses ability self-destruct, replicates uncontrollably –> mass of abnormal tissue

2
Q

Characteristics of normal mammalian cells

A

Anchorage dependence: won’t divide unless touching something

Density-dependent inhibition: cells will fill gap and stop at one layer

3
Q

Characteristics of cancer cells

A

Do NOT have anchorage dependence/density-dependent inhibition

Can make their own growth factor (food)…can divide without an energy base/can convey growth factor’s signal without presence of growth factor

4
Q

Transformation

A

Normal cell converted to a cancerous cell - cancer cells form tumors (masses of abnormal cells within otherwise normal tissue)

5
Q

Benign vs. Malignant

A

Benign: NOT cancer - when abnormal cells remain at original site
Malignant: tumors invade surrounding tissues and can metastasize (export cancer cells to other parts of the body to form secondary tumors)

6
Q

Cancer development

A

Normal cells
Initiation (introduction of carcinogen)
Carcinogen alters DNA, inducing abnormal cell division
Promotion: enhance development of abnormal cells, resulting in tumor
Further tumor development
Metastasis (cells released into bloodstream/lymphatic system)

7
Q

Henrietta Lacks

A

Died of cervical cancer, doctors kept her tumor
Immortal cell line: cells still dividing today, used to test medication for cancer/AIDS/polio, etc

HeLa cells

8
Q

Lung cancer

A

Small cell/non small cell
Fairly deadly (70% mortality rate)
80-90% due to tobacco (others = radon, asbestos, air pollution)
Consequences: coughing up blood, shortness of breath, weight loss
How to diagnose: chest radiograph, biopsy

9
Q

Pancreatic Cancer

A

85% mortality rate
Very aggressive, usually found in advanced stages
Greatest risks: African Americans, men, old age; smoking, diabetes

10
Q

Breast Cancer

A

Signs: lump, nipple inversion/discharge
How to find it: mammogram, self exams, ultrasound, biopsies
Risk factors
-incidence doubles every 10 years until menopause, then drops off
-hormone replacement therapy, BMI, alcohol, BPA, radiation

Genetics = 5-10% (BRCA 1 and BRCA 2, first degree relative)
Environmental = 90 - 95%
11
Q

Ovarian Cancer

A

Hard to diagnose, causes unknown
Risk factors: infertility, BRCA, milk?
Protective factors: birth control, tubal ligation, vitamin D

12
Q

Cancer treatments

A

Surgery: remove tumors/determine extent of cancer BUT raises energy/protein needs
Chemo: inhibits tumor growth BUT has toxic effects
Radiation: damages DNA of cancer cells/leads cells to death, shrinks tumors
Bone marrow transplants
Immunotherapy: stimulate immune system

13
Q

Skin cancer and forms

A

1/5 americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime; most common in US by a long shot

Basal cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
Melanoma

14
Q

BCC

A

Basal cell Carcinoma

  • most common form of skin cancer
  • appears on sun-exposed areas of body (face, neck, arms)
  • often presents as a persistent, non-healing sore
15
Q

SCC

A

Squamous cell carcinoma

  • 2nd most common skin cancer
  • .3% mortality rate
  • appears on sun-exposed areas
  • presents as scaly, red, hard nodules that usually ulcerate/may bleed
16
Q

Melanoma

A

5% of skin cancer causes, but vast majority of death bc of rapid metastasis
Stages
-stage 0: carcinoma “in-situ” localized/non invasive (99% survival)
-stage 1/2: localized lesions that have not spread beyond original site (95% survival)
-stage 3: tumor spreads beyond original site to regional lymph nodes (24-70% survival)
-stage 4: metastasis to distant lymph nodes/internal organs, affect internal organs (7-19% survival)

17
Q

UVR

A
Ultraviolet Radiation 
UVA rays cause aging
-less intense, but more prevalent
-deep penetration of skin
-equal intensity during all daylight hours
-can penetrate clouds/glass 
UVB rays cause burning
-cause superficial skin damage
-10AM - 2PM = peak intensity
18
Q

UVR and cancer types

A

BCC: intermittent UVR (recreational exposure = children playing outside)
SCC: chronic UVR (occupational exposure = construction workers)
Melanoma: intermittent UVR

19
Q

Tanning beds

A

UVA radiation
75% more likely to develop melanoma when use starts before age of 35
2.5X more likely to develop BCC, 1.5X more likely to develop SCC

20
Q

Genetic predisposition to skin cancer

A

Skin phenotype: melanin absorbs UV radiation, fair skin = less melanin
Family history: CDKN2A gene associated with melanoma
Numerous/atypical moles

21
Q

ABCDE’s of moles

A
Asymmetry
Border (uneven)
Color (multipole colors)
Diameter (larger than 1/4 inch)
Evolution (changing in size/color/shape)
22
Q

Sunscreen

A

SPF = sun protective factor, indicates how long it will take for UVB rays to redden skin when using product

SPF 15 = 93% of UVB rays
SPF 30 = 97% of UVB rays
SPF 50 = 98% of UVB rays

Broad/multi-spectrum protects from UVB AND UVA rays
Reapply every 2 hours