Cancer And Tumours Flashcards
What is a tumour?
A formation of cells that divide by mitosis.
What is a benign tumour?
It’s a growth of cells in one place, infecting tissues and organsin a certain area.
Why are benign tumours dangerous?
If they infect a major organ (like the brain), the cells may have no more extra space to grow onto.
What are malignant tumours?
They are tumours that spread around the body, infecting healthy tissues.
Why are malignant tumours dangerous?
They can spread to many areas of the body, making them uncontrollable to cure.
What is ionising radiation?
UV lights and X-rays affected the normal cell cycle.
What is chemotherapy?
When chemicals are used to treat the cancer.
Why is chemotherapy helpful for treating cancer?
They prevent the cancer from spreading further and cells dividing, but also stop the current cells from functioning and forcing them to self-destruct. Therefore, the cells can completely die and can be easily fought off.
What is radiotherapy?
Radiotherapy is the use of certain doses of radiation to destroy cancer cells. It stops the mitosis in the cancer cells.
What is the risk factor in radiotherapy?
It can also affect healthy cells.
