Cancer Flashcards
Risk Factors
Age
Family History/Genetic History (tumor suppressor issues, proto and oncogenes)
Immunocompromised
Use of tobacco
Characteristics/Properties of Cancer Cells
Are proliferative
Are not well-differentiated; undifferentiated and lose function
The loss/lack of differentiated features in a cancer cell is called “anaplasia”
Proto-oncogene
a gene regulating growth of cells or the signals cells send to each other
Oncogene
inititators; a gene with the ability to induce malignancy
Tumor Supressor Gene
these have the ability to suppress malignancy/tumor formation
Hyperplasia
Refers to increased number of cells
This increase occurs only in cells that have the ability to perform mitotic division, such as epithelial cells (
Neoplasia
Abnormal new cellular growth.
Anaplasia
Rapid, Uncontrolled Proliferation of Cells
Loss of Differentiation
Benign
Is not as damaging as a malignant tumor
Often Encapsulated
DOES NOT metastasize
Doesn’t usually kill the host
Malignant
Tumors grow rapidly
Can necrose
Prognosis: Poor if not treated
Mostly Anaplastic
Can Metastasize
Carcinogenesis
Initiation
Promotion
Progression
Metastasis
The development of secondary malignant growths at a distance from a primary site of cancer
This is when cancer cells migrate to a distant site.
Cachexia
Weight Loss
Weakness
Leukemia
Malignant growth of white blood cells
Prevention (Screening)
Breast Cancer
Breast self exam every month
Mammogram every year after 40 years of age (Mammography)
