Oncology

Question 1

What is the meaning of Carcinogenesis?

Answer 1

Process whereby normal cells are transformed into cancer cells

Question 2

What are the risk factors for cancer?

Answer 2

Genetic factors - Onco genes
Viruses - oncoviruses that alter’s cells DNA
Radiation - UV rays, X-rays, gamma rays, radioactive isotopes
Chemicals - natural / synthetic products
Biological factors - chronic irritation & inflammation
Age - increasing age
Diet - natural substance, processing methods, additives
Hormones

Question 3

What is the definition of Cancer?

Answer 3

Uncontrolled growth of cells that leads to invasion of surrounding tissues; has the ability to spread to other parts of the body

Question 4

What does malignant cells release?

Answer 4

Enzyme collagenase -> protein & cells breakdown -> destruction of adjacent
tissue & systemic effects (e.g., altered serum Ca2+)

Question 5

What are the 4 types of tissue in the human body?

Answer 5

• Epithelium
• Nervous tissue
• Muscle tissue
• Connective tissue

Question 6

What are the 3 germ layers of cell?

Answer 6

• Ectoderm (outer)
• Mesoderm (middle)
• Endoderm (inner)

Question 7

What is the definition of Tumour?

Answer 7

Uncontrolled growth of cells

Question 8

What is the meaning of Metastasis?

Answer 8

Spreading of tumour cells to other parts of the body

Question 9

What are the different types of Benign Tumour?

Answer 9

Lipoma: of fat cells
Leiomyoma: of muscle cells
Fibroma: of fibrous tissues
Thymoma: of glands
Haemangioma: of blood vessels

Question 10

What are the exceptions of benign tumours?

Answer 10

Melanoma: of skin
Mesothelioma: of pleural lining of lungs

Question 11

What are the types of malignant tumours (cancer)?

Answer 11

Carcinoma: tumour that develops from epithelium layer
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
- Adenocarcinoma

Sarcoma: tumour that develop from muscle layers
- Liposarcoma
- Leiomyosarcoma
- Fibrosarcoma

Lymphoma: tumour that develop from lymphatic system

Leukaemia: tumour that develops from bone marrow

Question 12

What are the predisposing factors of carcinogenesis?

Answer 12

External / Environmental / Lifestyle
- Smoking
- Diet
- Chemicals
- UV & ionising radiation
- Infections

Internal
- Hereditary
- Age
- Infections
- Chronic inflammation: liver cirrhosis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)