Cancer Flashcards
Define cancer. (1 mark)
Cancer = Highly invasive and destructive neoplasms
Give any 3 characteristics of a benign tumour. (3 marks)
Benign Tumours
Differentiated cells
Similar to normal cells Mitosis fairly normal Relatively slow growth Expanding mass Frequently encapsulated Remains localised Systemic effects-rare Only life-threatening in specific locations (e.g. brain)
Give any 3 characteristics of a malignant tumour. (3 marks)
Malignant Tumours
Cells vary in size & shape, large nuclei
Many undifferentiated cells Mitosis increased & atypical Rapid growth Cells not adhesive, infiltrate tissue No capsule Invades nearby tissue or metastasises to distant sites through blood & lymph vessels Systemic effects-often present Life-threatening by tissue destruction & spread of tumours
State the 3 stages associated with the development of cancer. (3 marks)
The initiating event causes a mutation in a cell, and changes in the cell DNA. This initial change does not create an active neoplasm. The initiating event may eventually be identified but many times it is not.
The promoting event is an expansion of the mutated cell’s growth and reproduction. Exposure to “promoters” later causes further changes in DNA, resulting in less differentiation and an increased rate of mitosis
The continued growth of the cell depends on continued exposure to the promoter. Dysplasia (presence of abnormal cells) or anaplasia (cells that have lost their identity) may be evident at this time. This process leads to the development of the tumour.
A common cancer promoter is a chronic inflammation. Others include hormones and chemicals in the environment.
Progression is an extension of the promoter stage with one exception: now the cancer growth is no longer dependent on exposure to the promoter. The growth now becomes autonomous. The cell can function outside the rules that regulate cell growth, division and death.
Symptoms of prostate cancer
- passing urine more frequently
- getting up at night
- difficulty passing urine
- urgency
- leaking
- blood in urine
- raised PSA
Symptoms of lung cancer and types (3)
- persistent cough longer than 3 weeks
- a change in a long-term cough
- shortness of breath
- blood in sputum
- pain in the chest
- loss of appetite
- fatigue
- weight loss
Small
Non-small
Pancoast
Treatment for cancer
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- hormone/targeted therapy
Symptoms of melanoma
- Asymmetry
- border
- colour
- diameter
- elevation
Symptoms of bowel cancer
- bleeding from the rectum
- blood in poop
- changes in bowel habits
- pain in the abdomen
- losing weight
- fatigue
- shortness of breath
- bowel obstruction
Definitions
Cancer
Benign
Malignant
Cancer: Invasive and destructive neoplasm
Benign: Localised, resembles cell of origin, loss control of proliferation
Malignant: Invasive and destructive, doesn’t resemble cell of origin
carcinogenic (4)
- high energy ionizing radiation
- hormones (breast, prostate)
- chemicals (lungs)
- bacteria/virus
The spread of cancer and how (4)
- Local spread
The proliferation of neoplasms within the origin cell - Direct extension
Tumours travel to adjacent tissues - Seeding
Malignant tumours travel through the pleural cavity to different organs - Metastases
Neoplasms travel via the lymphatic system or blood vessels to faraway sites
