Outline of Disease Processes

Question 1

Cancer staging

Answer 1

Includes radiography and exam findings and takes place initially.
TNM staging;
T: Tumour; There are several different categories of primary tumour classification based mainly on the size or extent of local invasion.
T0; no detectable primary tumour but evidence of nodal or metastatic disease.
T1-4; describes tumour size
Tis; In situ disease with no risk of nodal involvement or mets.
N: Node; involvement of regional lymph nodes.
M: metastases; Evidence of mets via either haematogenous or lymphatic spread

There are at least 32 different TNM classifications possible which are group into stage I-IV

Question 2

Pathological staging

Answer 2

Provides more accurate information and is the one most physicians use post surgical examination.

Question 3

Genetic changes in cancer

Answer 3

Mutations can cause a cell to make/not make proteins that affect how the cell grows and divides into new cells. Certain mutations can cause the cell to grow out of control, which can lead to cancer. Usually several gene changes are needed before a cell becomes cancer.

Question 4

Current modalities of therapy.

Answer 4

Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, stem cell transplant, precision medicine.