Neoplasia Nomenclature and Morphology Flashcards
(34 cards)
Define:
(a) neoplasia
(b) neoplasm
(a) neoplasia: The process of abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth that can lead to the formation of a neoplasm or tumor.
(b) neoplasm: An abnormal mass of tissue resulting from neoplasia, which can be benign or malignant.
Briefly compare benign and malignant neoplasms based on the following criteria:
(a) Growth rate
(b) Invasion
(c) Metastasis
(a) Growth rate: Benign neoplasms have a slow and limited growth rate, whereas malignant neoplasms have a rapid and uncontrolled growth rate.
(b) Invasion: Benign neoplasms do not invade surrounding tissues, whereas malignant neoplasms invade and destroy surrounding tissues.
(c) Metastasis: Benign neoplasms do not metastasize; malignant neoplasms metastasize.
Briefly compare benign and malignant neoplasms based on the following criteria:
(a) Cell differentiation
(b) Encapsulation
(c) Recurrence
(d) Systemic effects
(a) Cell differentiation: In benign neoplasms, cells are well differentiated and resemble normal cells; in malignant neoplasms, cells are poorly differentiated and often do not resemble normal cells.
(b) Encapsulation: Benign neoplasms are often encapsulated, making them easier to remove surgically; malignant neoplasms are not encapsulated, making them more difficult to remove completely.
(c) Recurrence: Benign neoplasms rarely occur after removal; malignant neoplasms are more likely to recur after removal.
(d) Systemic effects: Benign neoplasms generally do not cause systemic effects unless they are large or located in a critical area; malignant neoplasms can cause systemic effects such as weight loss, fatigue, and other paraneoplastic syndromes.
two basic components of a neoplasm
(1) parenchyma: composed of neoplastic cells
(2) stroma: supportive framework of the tumor, made up of non-neoplastic, host-derived connective tissue and blood vessels
general rule for nomenclature of benign tumors
Benign tumors are named based on the tissue or cell type from which they originate, followed by the suffix “-oma”.
Benign tumor of glandular epithelium
Adenoma
Benign tumor of surface epithelium
Papilloma
Benign tumor of fibrous tissue
Fibroma
Benign tumor of adipose tissue
Lipoma
(1) Benign tumor of cartilage
(2) Benign tumor of bone
(1) Chondroma
(2) Osteoma
(1) Leiomyoma
(2) Rhabdomyoma
(1) Benign tumor of smooth muscle
(2) Benign tumor of skeletal muscle
(1) Neuroma
(2) Schwannoma
(1) Benign tumor of nerve tissue
(2) Benign tumor of Schwann cells
(1) Haemangioma
(2) Lymphangioma
(1) Benign tumor of blood vessels
(2) Benign tumor of lymphatic vessels
Define polyp.
This is a growth or mass that protrudes from a mucous membrane.
general rule for nomenclature of malignant tumors
The general rule for the nomenclature of malignant tumors is to use the tissue or cell type of origin followed by the suffix “-carcinoma” for epithelial cancers, and “-sarcoma” for mesenchymal cancers.
some malignant tumors aren’t named according to the standard “-sarcoma”/”-carcinoma” syntax e.g. ________
melanoma, mesothelioma, seminoma, lymphoma, glioblastoma, chordoma
name three eponymically named tumors
◾ Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
◾ Wilm’s Tumor (nephroblastoma)
◾ Burkitt’s Lymphoma
In the histological examination of a tumor, one should look for ________ (4).
(a) Pleomorphism [variation in cell size]
(b) High nuclear/cytoplasm ratio [N/C ratio]
(c) Hyperchromasia [dark cell]
(d) Abnormal mitosis
What are two important factors that influence the likelihood of metastasis?
The likelihood of metastasis is generally higher in tumors that are more anaplastic and larger in size.
Outline three pathways by which metastasis may occur.
(1) Lymphatic spread: cancer cells enter the lymphatic system and travel through lymphatic vessels to nearby lymph nodes [more common for carcinomas].
(2) Haematogenous spread: cancer cells invade blood vessels and ciruculate through the bloodstream to distant organs [favored by sarcomas and some carcinomas].
(3) Seeding of body cavities: cells spread by directly seeding into body cavities such as the peritoneal, pleural, and cerebral ventricles [e.g. ovarian cancer often spreads by seeding into the peritoneal cavity leading to widespread dissemination within the abdominal cavity].
In breast cancer, the cancer cells frequently spread to the ____(a)____ lymph nodes, whereas those from lung cancer often spread to the ____(b)____ lymph nodes.
(a) axillary
(b) bronchial
What is the relationship between dysplasia and cancer?
Dysplasia is a precancerous condition that indicates abnormal cell growth but which has not yet invaded surrounding tissues. It may or may not progress to cancer depending on various factors.
What is carcinoma in-situ?
This is an intraepithelial malignancy in which malignant cells involve the entire thickness of the epithelium without penetration of the basement membrane.
What is a teratoma?
This is a type of neoplasm that contains recognizable mature or immature cells or tissues representative of more than one germ-cell layer and sometimes all three.
