Cancer 1

Question 1

What is the definition of cancer?

Answer 1

An abnormal mass of tissue, the growth of which exceeds and is uncoordinated of that of normal tissue and persists and persists in the same uncoordinated manner after cessation of the stimulus which evoked the change.

Question 2

Physical characteristics of a benign tumour?

Answer 2

• Pedunculated

Question 3

What 2 suffixes are usually used to indicate a malignant tumour?

Answer 3

• carcinoma

- sarcoma

Question 4

In an anaplastic carcinoma what 2 mutations in regards to mitosis are seen?

Answer 4

1. Tripolar mitosis

2. Multi-nucelated cell (hasn’t bothered to separate)

Question 5

What are 3 MACROSCOPIC differences between benign and malignant tumours?

Answer 5

1. Local invasion
   B: well circumscribed, round, grey/white/uniform colour, often have a capsule
   M: not circumscribed, finger-like projections, irregular margins, don’t recognise anatomical boundaries (go through abdominal walls etc), variable texture + colour (due to necrosis + haemorrhage)
2. Ulceration
   B: rare, sharp edges, shallow, bottom not indurated
   M: rolled edges, hard, may feel irregularly indurated, irregular in shape
3. Polyps
   B: pedunculated, uniform texture
   M: sessile (flat), indurated base, may ulcerate and bleef

Question 6

What are 5 MICROSCOPIC differences between benign and malignant tumours?

Answer 6

1. Organisation of tumour cells
2. Altered cell function + differentiation
3. Rate of growth
4. Secondary changes
5. Host responses