WEEK 10 Cancer 1 Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is the definition of cancer?
Highly invasive and destructive neoplasms
Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and the ability to invade other tissues.
What does oncology study?
The study of neoplasms
Oncology encompasses the diagnosis, treatment, and research of cancer.
Define neoplasm.
Cells formed from irreversible deviant cell division
Neoplasms can be benign or malignant.
What is a tumour?
A collection of cells that have lost genetic control of proliferation and differentiation
Tumours can be benign or malignant.
What characterizes benign tumours?
- Localised
- Resemble cells of origin
- Mitosis fairly normal
- Slow growth
- Frequently encapsulated
- Rare systemic effects
Life-threatening only in specific locations, like the brain.
What are malignant tumours characterized by?
- Cells vary in size & shape
- Many undifferentiated cells
- Increased & atypical mitosis
- Rapid growth
- No capsule
- Invades nearby tissue or metastasizes
Malignant tumours often cause systemic effects and are life-threatening.
Fill in the blank: A benign tumour of glandular tissue is called an _______.
Adenoma
Adenomas are a type of benign neoplasm.
What is the suffix used for malignant tumours of epithelial origin?
Carcinoma
Examples include adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
What are the characteristics of cancer cells?
- Cellular over-proliferation
- Undifferentiated cells
- Loss of cell-to-cell communication
- Increased energy expenditure
- Increased motility
Cancer cells can also secrete substances that alter metabolism and degrade neighboring cells.
What are the major categories of cancer genes?
- Mutator genes
- Protooncogenes
- Tumour suppressor genes
Each category plays a critical role in cancer development and progression.
What is the role of protooncogenes?
Genes that regulate cell function
When mutated, they can become oncogenes that promote cancer.
What is the initiation-promotion-progression theory in cancer?
A model describing the stages of cancer development
It outlines how cancer develops from initial mutation to full-blown malignancy.
What are common carcinogens?
- High energy ionizing radiation
- Hormones
- Chemicals (e.g., tobacco)
- Viruses & bacteria
Each of these can contribute to the development of cancer.
Describe local spread in cancer.
Proliferation of the neoplasm within the tissue of origin
Local spread can involve direct extension into adjacent tissues.
What is metastasis?
Neoplasms spread to distant sites by way of lymphatics or blood vessels
Metastasis is a key feature of malignant tumours.
What does the TNM classification system stand for?
Tumour size, extent, and spread
This system is used to stage cancer.
What is tumour grading?
The level of anaplasia in tumour cells
Grades I and II are well differentiated, while grades III and IV are poorly differentiated.
What is the survival rate for breast cancer?
78%
This statistic refers to the 10-year survival rate.
How many new cancer cases are reported in females in the UK annually?
More than 182,000 (2016-2018)
This statistic highlights the prevalence of cancer among females.
How many new cancer cases are reported in males in the UK annually?
Around 193,000 (2016-2018)
This statistic highlights the prevalence of cancer among males.
What percentage of lung cancer cases are preventable?
79%
This emphasizes the impact of lifestyle choices on cancer risk.
