Cancer Overview Flashcards
What is cancer?
- Abnormal cell division and growth (neoplasia)
- Malignant as opposed to benign
How is cancer named?
Often named for the organ or cell type
E.g.: Organ colon CA; pancreatic CA; lung CA; breast CA
Cell type basal cell CA
Define the word “benign”
Slow growth, non-invasive, no metastasis
Define the word “malignant”
Rapid growth, invasive, potential for metastasis
What is the function of Proto-oncogenes & oncogenes?
Inhibit cell death and apoptosis (Not surprisingly, these genes are expressed in high levels in tumor cells)
What is the function of Anti-oncogenes/ tumor suppressors?
- Inhibit cell proliferation & growth
- Halts cell division if DNA damaged
- Allows DNA to be repaired if damage or mutation is minor;
- If damage is significant, triggers apoptosis
What factors influence carcinogenesis?
Environmental Factors
Chemicals (e.g.: asbestos) & radiation exposure
Lifestyle and habits (food choices; smoking; alcohol)
Genetics (family history)
Breast, colon, ovarian, prostate
Virus exposure
Most cancers are believed to be due to a combination of these factors.
Virus + genetics + environment
What are the six hallmarks of cancer?
- Self-sufficient growth signals
- Resistance to anti-growth signals
- Immortality
- Resistance to cell death
- Sustained angiogenesis
- Invasion and metastasis
Define “primary” cancer
Neoplasia of a specific tissue
Define “secondary” cancer
Cancer cells from another tissue that have metastasized to a different location
Define “in situ” cancer
Glandular or squamous cells
Remain within the basement membrane
What three factors determine the “TNM” stage?
T - Tumor size
N - Spread to regional lymph nodes
M - Presence of distant metastasis
Define the different ‘T’ scales of the “TNM” staging system
Tx=Tumor cannot be evaluated
T0=No evidence of primary tumor
T1-4=Increasing size of tumor
Define the different ‘N’ scales of the “TNM” staging system
Nx=Lymph node cannnot be evaluated
N0=No lymph node involvement
N1-3= Increasing involvement of regional lymph nodes
Define the different ‘M’ scales of the “TNM” staging system
M0 = No distant metastasis M1 = Distant metastasis
What procedures are used to diagnose cancer?
Blood Values (Cancer Markers )
Imaging (Radiographs, CT Scan, MRI, PET Scan)
Biopsy
Name some cancer-specific antigens
PSA- prostate specific antigen
CCSA 3 & 4- Colon Cancer Specific Antigen
CEA- Carcinoembryonic Antigen
CA 125
What is a PET scan?
Nuclear medicine imaging technology. A radioactive tracer is used to assess metabolic activity. Assesses glucose uptake prior to radioactive decay
What are common medical interventions for cancer?
Removing “precancerous” lesion Debulking tumor Correction of life-threatening condition caused by cancer Fracture prevention Palliation Cure Chemotherapy Radiation therapy Surgery
What is the primary effect of chemotherapy?
Killing cells that divide rapidly (high growth fractions) including normal cells
Non-selective – doesn’t distinguish b/w healthy (e.g.cells in the bone marrow, digestive tract and hair follicles) and diseased tissue
What are potential goals of chemotherapy and XRT?
Cure
Slow CA progression
Shrink tumor for palliation
Shrink tumor for surgical resection
What are common side effects of chemotherapy?
Immunosuppression (infection risk)
Anemia (reduced O2 carrying capacity)
Thrombocytopenia (bleeding risk)
Organ damage Nausea and Vomiting Alopecia (hair loss) Diarrhea Mucositis or mouth sores Sterility Neuropathies
Name the motor symptoms of peripheral neuropathy
Sense of heaviness in legs
Tripping due to motor weakness of anterior tibialis
Difficulty holding or manipulating objects
Shaky handwriting
Name the sensory symptoms of peripheral neuropathy
Sensation of pins/ needles
Cold extremities
Burning sensation
Sharp “electrical” shooting pain
