CP3: Neoplasia Flashcards
(19 cards)
Define neoplasia.
The process of abnormal growth of a tissue into a mass, when cells have escaped normal homeostatic growth control.
Define tumour.
A benign or malignant swelling.
Define cancer.
A malignant tumour which has the ability to invade both local tissues or spread over a distance by metastasis.
Define oncology.
A branch of medicine specialised in the diagnosis & treatment of cancer.
Define carcinogen.
An agent that promotes cancer.
Define metastasis.
Spread of cancer from the primary tumour to another part of the body.
Define oncogenes.
Genes that stimulate cell proliferation.
Define tumour suppressor genes.
Genes that inhibit cell proliferation.
What are characteristics of benign tumours?
- Well differentiated, with uniform shape & size.
- Nucleus is normal, few mitoses.
- No metastasis.
- Encapsulated and expansive
What are characteristics of malignant tumours?
- Anaplastic & pleomorphic.
- Abnormal nucleus, many mitoses (some might be abnormal).
- Metastasis.
- Not encapsulated.
- Infiltrative.
What is metaplasia?
Pre-cancerous growth. When a somatic cell transforms into another type of somatic cell, usually due to stress. Generally reversible.
What is dysplasia?
Pre-cancerous growth. When a cell transforms into an abnormal version of itself, usually irreversible.
What causes cancer?
Mutations
What is an inherited mutation?
When only 1 gene is mutated, it’s rare. There are more commonly multiple inherited mutations.
What are somatic mutations?
The mutations that you acquire throughout life.
What are examples of inherited mutations?
BRCA1 & BRCA2 involved in ovarian/breast cancer.
Neurofibromatosis type 1 which causes multiple benign fibromas.
What is an example of multiple inherited mutations?
Boxer dogs, they are susceptible to many types of cancer.
What is an example of multifactorial causes in cancer?
Hereford cattle, where ocular neoplasms occur due to a lack of brown around the eye & exposure to sunlight.
Where are mutations located?
Near oncogenes but away from tumour suppressor genes.
