cancer Flashcards
is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body
cancer
is the study of tumors and their treatment
oncology
_ in every _ Canadians will develop cancer
2 in every 5
_ in every _ Canadians will die from cancer
1 in every 4
is the sequence of events involved in the replication and distribution of DNA to daughter cells
the cell cycle
how many phases in the cell cycle?
5
what are the 2 major phases to the cell cycle?
synthesis (S) and mitosis (M)
the DNA is synthesized and chromosomes are replicated
synthesis phase
the cell divides and 2 daughter cells are formed
mitosis
when the cell is metabolically active or growing enzymes or proteins in preparation for DNA synthesis or mitotic division
G phases
the daughter cells either go into a state of dormancy- that is they are not actively proliferating
G zero phase
if a stimulus for cell division exists, the cell enters the __ phase to begin the cell reproductive cycle again.
G1 phase
is the process by which proliferating cells become specialized.
cell differentiation
cells that continue to proliferate and then die, particularly in areas that have a high cell turnover
progenitor cells
is a method of replacing cancerous bone marrow with healthy stem cells.
stem cell transplant
entails receiving a donors stem cells, and an autologous transplant entails receiving a donors stem cells, and an autologous transplant entails receiving ones own stem cells.
allogenic transplant
are able to complete the cell cycle more quickly by decreasing the length of time spent in the G1 phase.
cancer cells
monitors whether the DNA in the chromosomes in damaged by radiation or chemicals
G1-S checkpoint
prevents entry into mitosis if DNA replication is not complete.
G2 M checkpoint
is the process by which normal cells are transformed into cancer cells
carcinogenesis
is caused by a mutation of the genetic material of normal cells, which upsets the normal balance between proliferation and cell death
carcinogenesis
Carcinogenesis is hypothesized to be a multistep mechanism that can be divided into three stages:
1) initiation
2) promotion
3) progression
is the first step in the process of cancer development
initiation
Involves the exposure of cells to appropriate doses of carcinogenic agent that makes them susceptible to malignant transformation.
initiation stage of carcinogenesis
involves the unregulated and accelerated growth of the mutated cells
promotion
abnormality of cell development during the promotion stage.
dysplasia
is often indicative of an early neoplastic process.
dysplasia
is the process whereby tumor cells acquire malignant changes and autonomous growth tendencies that promote invasiveness and metastatic capabilities.
progression
represents the transformation of a neoplastic lesion to one in which cells undergo essentially no maturation, and thus may be considered cancer like.
Carcinoma in situ
which gene process encourages cell division?
protooncogenes
which gene process inhibits cell division?
tumor suppressor genes
what do mutated proto-oncogenes become?
oncogenes
genes that stimulate excessive cell division
oncogenes
eliminating the critical inhibition of cell division that normally prevents excessive growth
mutations in tumor suppressor genes
When ____ arise in normal cells, they can contribute to the development of cancer by instructing cells to make proteins or “go signals” that stimulate excessive cell growth and division.
oncogenes
When DNA damage is detected in a cell, some ______ can send “stop signals” to the cell to stop it from multiplying until the damage is repaired.
tumor suppressor genes
When ____ don’t function correctly, the cells with DNA damage continue to divide and can accumulate further DNA damage that can eventually lead a cell to grow and divide in an uncontrolled fashion.
tumor suppressor genes
People with a condition called _____ have an inherited defect in a DNA repair system
xeroderma pigmentosum
can stimulate cells with damaged DNA to commit cell suicide
specific tumor suppressor genes (p53)
is the first and last defense against cancer
the immune system
can target tumors and cancer cells and kill them.
Natural Killer Cells (NK)
process of forming new blood vessels
angiogenesis
begins when a tumor becomes large enough where it needs to increase the supply of nutrients and oxygen it receives.
angiogenesis
What triggers the tumor and its surrounding environment to release signals that result in the growth of blood vessels towards and into the tumor?
low oxygen levels (hypoxia)
is the proliferation of a network of blood vessels that penetrates into cancerous growths, supplying nutrients and oxygen and removing waste products.
tumor angiogenesis
is the study of causation, or origination, that is what causes cancer or how does it originate.
Etiology
are a class of substances that are directly responsible for damaging DNA, promoting or aiding cancer.
Carcinogens
Any abnormal growth of new tissue is referred to as ___
neoplastic
new growth
neoplasm
- well differentiated
- slow growing
- look like tissues from which they arise
- localized
- do not metastasize
- encapsulated
- can interfere with vital functions
characteristics of benign tumors
add suffix “oma” to the tissue type
benign tumors
__ is a benign tumor of the meniges of the brain or surface of the brain
menigioma
A benign tumor of the pancreas is called an ___
insulinoma
A benign tumor of glandular epithelial tissue is called an ___
adenoma
a benign tumor of bone tissue is called ___
osteoma
are benign, microscopic finger-like projections that grow on any surface.
papilomas
___ is a benign thyroid tumor
thyroid adenoma
hyperthyroidism symptoms- excessive sweating, nervousness, agitation, rapid HR, weight loss and fatigue
patients with thyroid adenomas may present with these symptoms
are benign, slow-growing tumors that arise from epithelial tissue in the pituitary gland.
pituitary adenomas
can trigger breast milk production in non-lactating females and males and amenorrhea (loss of menstrual periods) in females.
benign pituitary tumors can cause too much prolactin secretion
composed of fibrous and glandular tissue in the breast
fibroadenomas
is a benign growth of the surface of the colon (referred to as a polyp).
colon adenoma
The 2 most common types of intestinal polyps are …
adenomas and hyperplastic polyps
is a benign tumor composed of connective adipose tissue
lipoma
is a new piece of bone usually growing on another piece of bone, typically the skull.
osteoma
is a benign tissue of uterine muscle- referred to as uterine fibroids
leiomyoma
abdo fullness, gas, or constipation, bleeding between periods, increase in urinary frequency, heavy menstrual bleeding or menorrhagia, periods that may last longer than normal, pelvic cramping or pain with periods, and a sensation of fullness or pressure in the lower abdo
symptoms of leiomyoma (uterine fibroids)
is a benign tumor of striated muscle
rhabdomyoma
is a growth or benign tumor of nerve tissue
neuroma
a type of benign tumor that starts in the brain or spine
glioma
is a benign tumor of the meninges, the layers of tissue covering the brain and spinal cord
meningioma
is a benign tumor of the cells that line blood vessels
hemangioma
are malformations or cell growth of the lymphatic system, which is responsible for draining excess fluid from tissues
Lymphagiomas
- anaplasia
- do not resemble originating tissues
- rapid, disorganized growth patterns
- not encapsulated
- rob normal tissues of essential nutrients
- metastasize through blood and lymph
characteristics of malignant tumors
add suffix “carcinoma” or “sarcoma” to the tissue type
malignant tumors
Cancers that are derived from cells of glandular origin or epithelial tissue type are known as ___
carcinomas
flat surface epithelial cells are known as ___
squammous cells
internal body organ epithelial cells are known as ____
adenomatous cells
The skin and the lining of the esophagus and rectum are lined with ____
epithelial squammous cells
____ cells are found in the lining of most of our internal body organs.
epithelial adenomatous
what are the 2 types of CT sarcomas?
- bone sarcomas
- soft tissue sarcomas
___ is found in internal organs such as stomach, intestines, blood vessels, or uterus and causes them to contract
smooth muscle
___ are malignant tumors of smooth muscle
Leiomyosarcomas
____ are malignant tumors of skeletal or striated muscle
Rhabdomyosarcomas
The closer the tumor cell resembles comparable normal tissue cells, both morphologically and functionally, the____ the grade.
lower
refers to a measure of how abnormal cells from the tumor appear under the microscope.
tumor grade
The ____ the grade, the more aggressive and fast growing the cancer
higher
The initial tumor is called the
primary tumor
describe how far cancer has spread anatomically
cancer staging systems
classifies the extent of the primary tumor
the “T”
given as T0-T4
a tumor that has not even started to invade the local tissue (called In Situ)
T0
a large primary tumor that has probably invaded other organs by direct extension, and which is usually inoperable
T4
classifies the amount of regional lymph node involvement.
the “N”
no lymph node involvement
N0
extensive lymph node involvement
N4
classifies if metastases is involved
the “M”
is a substance made mostly by the prostate that may be found in an increased amount in the blood of men who have prostate cancer.
PSA
is a type of protein molecule that can be found in many different cells of the body, but is typically associated with certain tumors
CEA
is a normal fetal serum protein synthesized by the liver, yolk sac, and GI tract
AFP
is an antigen present on 80% of ovarian carcinomas
CA 125
have receptors for estrogen on their surface and their growth often requires the presence of estrogen
ER+
are more affected by hormonal treatment and tend to be less aggressive
ER+
sends drugs or substances through the bloodstream to destroy cancer cells all over the body
systematic therapy
involves the instillation of liquid nitrogen into the tumor through a probe
Cryosurgery
is the use of a corrosive paste in combination with surgically removing multiple frozen sections of the tumor
chemosurgery
involves the surgeon using a laser beam to resect a tumor
laser surgery
involves the surgeon making 2 small incisions in the surgical area, one for viewing the cavity and the other for inserting the instruments to perform the surgery
Laparoscopic surgery
uses high energy rays to destroy cancer cells
radiation therapy (radiotherapy)
is when the radiation comes from a large machine outside the body.
external radiation
the patient swallows liquid or capsules containing radioactive material that travels throughout the body
internal radiation
placed in implanted seeds, or thin plastic tubes that are put in or near the cancerous tissue or cavity
brachytherapy
slow or stop cancer cells from growing, multiplying or spreading to other parts of the body
chemotherapy drugs
Chemotherapeutic drugs are most active against frequently dividing cells, or in all the phases of the cell cycle EXCEPT ____
G0
are active on cells undergoing division in the cell cycle
cell cycle phase specific drugs
are active on cells in either a dividing or resting state
cell cycle phase-non specific drugs
consists of administration of drugs designed to disrupt the hormonal environment of cancer cells
hormone therapy
uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer and to reduce treatment-related side effects
Biotherapy
are drugs or other substances that selectively attack malignant cells while leaving normal cells unharmed.
targeted therapy
are procedures that restore stem cells that have been destroyed by high doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy
Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT)
is any medical system, practice, or product that is not thought of as standard care
Complimentary and Alternative Therapy (CAM)
is an inadvertent leakage of chemotherapeutic drug from a vessel into surrounding tissue
Extravasation
is a pinpoint hemorrhages on skin and mucous membranes caused by low platelet counts
Petechia
is a reduction in the number of circulating platelets below 30,000 per cubic mm
thrombocytopenia
