Neoplasia 4

Question 1

What does the tumour STAGE show?

Answer 1

It is a measure of overall burden of a malignant neoplasm

Question 2

How is tumour stage determined?

Answer 2

TNM staging which is converted into the 4 different stages

Question 3

What does TNM stand for?

Answer 3

T= size of primary tumour
N= extent of regional lymph node involvement
M= metastatic spres via blood

Question 4

What does a stage 1 malignant neoplasm show?

Answer 4

Early local disease

Question 5

What does a stage 2 malignant neoplasm show?

Answer 5

Advanced local disease (N0, M0)

Question 6

What does a stage 3 malignant neoplasm show?

Answer 6

Regional metastasis (N1 or more with M0)

Question 7

What does a stage 4 malignant neoplasm show?

Answer 7

Advanced disease with distant metastasis (M1)

Question 8

What is the staging system used for lymphomas?

Answer 8

Ann Arbor staging system

Question 9

What is the importance of tumour staging?

Answer 9

Gives a good idea as to which treatment should be given

Question 10

What does the tumour GRADE show?

Answer 10

The degree of neoplasm differentiation (G1-G4)

Question 11

Define adjuvant treatment

Answer 11

Treatment given after surgical removal of a primary tumour to eliminate subclinical disease (micrometastasis)

Question 12

Define neoadjuvant treatment

Answer 12

Treatment given prior to surgical excision to reduce the size of the primary tumour

Question 13

List a few treatments for malignant neoplasms

Answer 13

-Surgery
-Radiotherapy
-Chemotherapy
-Hormone therapy
-Targeted treatments of specific molecules
Immunotherapy

Question 14

Describe radiotherapy as a treatment for malignant neoplasms

Answer 14

Kills proliferating cells by targeting apoptosis or interferes with mitosis

• causes direct or free radical induced DNA damage, detected by checkpoints causing apoptosis
• can also lead to double stranded DNA breaks thus damaged chromosomes cant enter M phase

Question 15

Why is radiotherapy given in fractioned doses?

Answer 15

To minimise normal tissue damage

Question 16

How does chemotherapy work (general)?

Answer 16

Damages DNA replication

Question 17

Name a few chemotherapy used

Answer 17

• Antimetabolites e.g fluorouracil
• Alkylating and platinum based drugs e.g. cisplatin
• Antibiotics e.g. doxorubicin
• Plant derived drugs e.g. vinaristine

Question 18

Give an examples of hormone therapy used to treat a malignant neoplasm

Answer 18

Selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) e.g. Tamoxifen

Question 19

Describe how immunotherapy is used as treatment for malignant neoplasms

Answer 19

Target immune system to help it fight cancer by recognising and attacking cancer cells

Question 20

What are tumour markers?

Answer 20

Various substances by cancer cells released into circulation (urine and faeces) which can be measured

Question 21

What can tumour markers be used for? (3)

Answer 21

1) Potential diagnosis
2) Monitor tumour burden
3) Assess recurrence

Question 22

Give an example of a tumour marker

Answer 22

HCG in testicular tumours

Question 23

Name a few screening programmes in the UK

Answer 23

• Breast screening
• Cervical screening
• Bowel screening (e.g. home testing)