Anti-Neoplastics #1 Flashcards
Define cancer.
Cancer is a group of diseases involving uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body (metastasis).
We are unable to treat metastasis. We can help people live longer but not treat this.
What is the difference between benign and malignant tumors?
These contrast with benign tumors, which do not spread.
What is the definition of a tumor?
Tumor (Neoplasm): An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more
than they should, or do not die when they should.
Malignant (cancer) tumors have the potential to?
invade and destroy nearby tissues and
spread to other parts of the body
Benign tumors may?
may grow larger but does not invade/spread
What causes cancer in animals?
❖ Genetic Factors (genetic mutations –> cancer)
❖ Environmental factors
❖ Age (some cancers, e.g. prostate cancer is an age-related cancer. rarely affected younger individuals, except genetic)
❖ Viruses: oral papilloma in the mouth of dogs (benign);
genital cancer of dogs (canine transmissible venereal tumor)]
feline leukemia virus, in 30% cats
❖ Carcinogens (environmental, infectious, and nutrition & dietary). most dog food today is hard to digest, not getting nutrients they need. most digestion takes place in the stomach. caffeine and theobromide = carcinogenic to dogs
What are the known environmental factords that cause cancer?
UV radiation = melanoma and squamous skin cell carcinoma
Tobacco smoke = lung cancer, mesothelioma,
Air pollution and smog in urban areas
Variety of herbicides, insecticides, and pesticides
commonly used in agriculture = lymphoma, leukemia, prostate cancer
According to the Comparative Oncology Program of the U.S. National Cancer Institute, there are ___ million pet dogs and ___ million pet cats in the United States. Approximately ___ million new cancer diagnoses are made in dogs and the same number made in cats each year
65, 32, 6
45% of dogs ____ years of age or older and 23% of dogs of ___ ages died of cancer, making it a leading cause of death in this species. The overall estimated incidence of malignant neoplasia in companion animals reportedly ranges from approximately ___ to ___ per 100,000 dogs
10, all, 381, 852
T/F: Cancer is not one of the most common causes of death and debilitating illness in both dogs and cats
False, it is.
_____ get cancer approximately at the same rate as humans, while the incidence in ____ is slightly lower
Dogs, cats
Many other species get cancer, but we don’t have any reliable statistics for them
Cancer is estimated to be the cause of death in 50% of dogs over the age of ____
10
Cancer is the cause of death in approximately _____% of cats, regardless of age
33
Define carcinoma.
Carcinoma: a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs (breast, lung, prostate)
Define sarcoma.
Sarcoma: a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood
vessels, or other connective and supportive tissues (osteosarcoma - very prevalent in dogs)
Define leukemia.
Leukemia: a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue, such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of blood cells to be produced and enter
the blood
Define lymphoma.
Lymphoma: a cancer affecting immune system, mostly lymphocytes in the
lymph nodes. Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma
What are the five most common types of cancer in dogs?
- Mast cell tumors
- Melanoma
- Lymphoma
- Osteosarcoma
- Hemangiosarcoma
Define mast cell tumors.
How are they graded?
Mast Cell Tumors are a form of skin cancer. Mast cells are cells that reside in the connective
tissues, especially the vessels and nerves that are close to the external surface of dog’s skin, lungs, nose, and mouth. Mast cell tumors are graded according to their location in the skin, presence of inflammation and how well they are differentiated
- Melanoma is a common type of cancer in which species?
- Melanoma is the most common malignant tumor in which species? In which part of the body?
- Skin tumors are among the most common tumors in which species? Are they benign or malignant?
- Melanoma is a common type of cancer in dogs.
- Most common malignant tumor of a dog’s mouth.
- Skin tumors are among the most common tumors found in dogs and many are benign
Define lymphoma.
Lymphoma is a cancer of lymphocytes and lymphoid tissues. Lymphoid tissue is normally present in many places in the body, including lymph nodes, spleen, liver, GI tract and bone
marrow
Define osteosarcoma.
Osteosarcoma refers to the most common bone tumor found in dogs. Bone cancer can affect any breed of dog, but it is more commonly found in the larger breeds
Define hemangiosarcoma.
Hemangiosarcoma is a highly malignant cancer that can spread rapidly, causing tumors almost anywhere in the body. It is most often found in the dog’s heart and spleen. Many times, it is in the advanced stage before it is diagnosed
Define Primary lung cancer in dogs.
Has not metastasized yet.
Define metastatic lung cancer.
Define hemangiosarcoma.
Define squamous cell carcinoma.
What part of the body is affected?
How do they heal?
See below
What it the most common form of skin cancer in dogs?
MCT
- Lymphoma accounts for what % of cancer in dogs?
- What part of the body is affected?
- What is the most effective form of treatmet?
See below
- Is osteosarcoma common or uncommon?
- Is this an aggressive or non-aggressive form of cancer? Does this cancer metastasize? Or not so much?
See below
- Lymphoma is what type of cancer?
- What part of the body is affected?
See below
What is the main cause of lymphoma?
See below
What are signs of cancer in a dog?
See below
Cancer is most common in which dog breeds?
It is most common in middle-aged and older dogs, and some breeds are predisposed. Golden Retrievers, Boxer Dogs, Bullmastiffs, Basset Hounds, Saint Bernards, Scottish Terriers, Airedale Terriers, and
Bulldogs all appear to be at increased risk of developing lymphoma.