CA3: Pathologies of Tumours Flashcards
What is a tumour
A swelling not necessarily neoplastic
What is a neoplasm
New growth of cells
When might a benign tumour threaten life? (2)
- Site
(ie tumour in the brain which raises pressure) - Function
(insulinoma produces insulin become hypoglycaemia)
What does histogenesis mean?
The cellular origin of a neoplasm
What is a well differentiated neoplasm?
Close resemblance to its normal cell of origin
By looking into a microscope how can you tell that the image is a squamous cell neoplasm? (3)
- Disorganised growth
- Keratin in tumour
- Intercellular prickles
What is anaplasia?
Complete lack of differentiation in a neoplasm
What is the cell type of the benign neoplasm lipoma?
Fat
What is the cell type of the benign neoplasm Leiomyoma?
Smooth muscle
What is the cell type of the benign neoplasm Neurofibroma?
Nerve
What is the cell type of the benign neoplasm Rhabdomyoma?
Striated muscle
What is the cell type of the benign neoplasm Haemangioma?
Endothelium
What are the ‘Oma’s’ that are actually malignant tumours (4)
- Lymphoma
- Myeloma
- Melanoma
- Mesothelioma
Malignant neoplasms of epithelial tissue end in?
Carcinoma
Malignant neoplasms of connective tissue end in?
Sarcoma
Malignant neoplasms of embryonic tissue end in?
Blastoma
What is the cell type of the malignant neoplasm Nephroblastoma?
Kidney
What is the cell type of the malignant neoplasm Neuroblastoma?
Neural tissue
What is the cell type of the malignant neoplasm Retinoblastoma?
Retina
Neoplasms derived from germ cells are called?
Teratomas
Where are germ cells found?
Germ cells are found in the ovary and testis
Nucleus:Cytoplasm ratio
Benign neoplasm?
Malignant neoplasm?
- Usually normal
- Often high
Nuclear pleomorphism
-
Necrosis
-
Mitotic rate
-
What is Metastasis?
Secondary growth of a neoplasm at one or more locations distant from the primary site
In which neoplasms does metastasis take place?
Only occurs with malignant neoplasms
What are the 4 ways metastasis can occur?
Spread via;
- Lymphatics
- Blood vessels
- Across mesothelial-lined cavities
- Through cerebrospinal fluid
Describe the mechanisms of invasion and metastasis
- Tumour cells have to detach from each other
- Then get into the blood stream (vascular intravastaion)
- A tumour embolus must form
- This then travels to a distant site and leaves the blood stream
- Regrowth of metastatic clone now occurs
Metastasis patterns in carcinomas?
Early?
Late?
- Early via lymphatics
- Late via bloodstream
Where do carcinomas metastasise? (2)
- Via lymphatics (early)
- Via bloodstream (late)
Where do sarcomas metastasise?
Via bloodstream
What are the 5 main sites for bony metastasis?
- Prostate
- Lung
- Thyroid
- Kidney
- Breasts
Why is anaemia common after a neoplasm? (4)
- Haemorrhage can occur from the neoplasm
- Decreased life span of erythrocytes
- Replacement of bone marrow by metastatic tumour
- Autoantibodies can be produced which work against red cells
Why is cancer cachexia common after a neoplasm?
Theorised that the tumour and reactive host cells secrete cytokines which lead to this
Describe the macroscopic appearance of a benign neoplasm
- Well-defined outline
- Smooth-surface
Describe the macroscopic appearance of a malignant neoplasm
- Irregular outline
- Craggy surface
Describe the microscopic margin of a malignant neoplasm
- Infiltrative
- Invasive
Describe the microscopic margin of a benign neoplasm
- Blunt
- Pushing (outwards)
What is cancer cachexia?
Cancer cachexia is a wasting syndrome characterized by weight loss, anorexia, asthenia and anemia
