Cancer Pathology Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is the definition of cancer?
Highly invasive and destructive neoplasms.
Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell division and the ability to invade other tissues.
Define neoplasm.
Cells formed from irreversible deviant cell division.
Neoplasms can be benign or malignant.
What is a tumour?
A collection of cells that have lost genetic control of proliferation and differentiation.
Tumours can be benign or malignant.
What does ‘benign’ mean in the context of tumours?
Localised and closely resembling cells of origin, but lost control of proliferation.
Benign tumours do not invade nearby tissues.
What characterizes malignant tumours?
Invasive and destructive cells that do not resemble cells of origin.
Malignant tumours can metastasize to distant sites.
What suffix is commonly used for benign tumours?
-oma.
Examples include epithelioma and adenoma.
What suffix is used for malignant tumours of epithelial origin?
-carcinoma.
For connective tissue, the suffix is -sarcoma.
What are the mechanisms of cancer development?
Initiation, Promotion, Progression Theory.
This theory describes the stages of cancer development from initial genetic damage to full-blown cancer.
Name the major categories of cancer genes.
- Mutator genes
- Protooncogenes
- Tumour suppressor genes
These genes play critical roles in regulating cell growth and preventing cancer.
What role do carcinogens play in cancer?
They cause genetic damage in a cell and can directly kill cells.
Carcinogens include high energy ionizing radiation, chemicals, and certain viruses.
What is local spread in cancer?
Proliferation of the neoplasm within the tissue of origin.
Local spread can involve direct extension into adjacent tissues.
Define metastasis.
Neoplasms spread to distant sites by way of lymphatics or blood vessels.
Metastasis is a key feature of malignant tumours.
What is organ tropism?
The affinity of a primary tumour to a specific distant site.
Certain cancers preferentially spread to specific organs.
What is the TNM classification?
A system for tumour staging based on size, extent, spread, and nodes.
TNM stands for Tumour, Node, Metastasis.
What does tumour grading indicate?
The level of anaplasia.
Grading helps in determining the aggressiveness of a cancer.
What are the characteristics of well-differentiated tumours?
Resemble the tissue of origin in size, shape, structure and mitotic activity.
These tumours are often classified as Grades I and II.
What are the characteristics of poorly differentiated tumours?
Demonstrate little or no resemblance to the tissue of origin.
These tumours are often classified as Grades III and IV.
Fill in the blank: Cancer occurs because of unrepaired _______.
gene malfunction.
Gene malfunctions can lead to uncontrolled cell growth.
What are some common causes of cancer?
- High energy ionizing radiation
- Hormones
- Chemicals
- Viruses & bacteria
Each of these factors can contribute to the development of different types of cancer.
True or False: Benign tumours can metastasize to distant sites.
False.
Benign tumours remain localised and do not spread.
What is direct extension of cancer?
Process of tumour cells moving into adjacent tissues and organs
What is seeding
Malignant tumours move along membranes of peritoneal and pleural cavities gaining easy access to to organs within
Metastasis
Neoplasms lead to distant sites by way of lymphatics or blood vessels
Benign Tumours
• Well-differentiated cells, similar to normal cells.
• Mitosis is normal, and growth is slow.
• Forms an expanding, encapsulated mass.
• Localized, does not invade or spread (no metastasis).
• Systemic effects rare; only dangerous in critical areas (e.g. brain).
