Cancer Part I Flashcards
Neoplasia
abnormal growth that doesn’t respond to normal growth control mechanisms
Benign
growth is limited May cause damage if presses on nearby tissue. ex: kid has a benign brain tumor that causes extensive respiratory depression from increased pressure on the respiratory center
Malignant
cancerous
neoplasm
new abnormal growth (benign or malignant)
second hand smoke & asbestos causes what in kids
lung cancer
In kids, tumors most frequently occur in organs unexposed to the environment such as..
leukemia of the bloodstream, nephroblastoma of the kidney, brain tumors or neuroblastoma in the abdomen
Cell mutation theory
Carcinogenic agents + heredity=aalter cells
Carcinogenic
producing cancer. viruses, radiation or chemical, physical, genetics, drugs, diet, hormones,
Onocogenic viruses
caner-causing viruses change the DNA or RNA structure
C type RNA viruses may be involved in
leukemia
Epstein-Barr virus, a DNA virus may be involved with
Burkitt’s lymphoma
C type RNA & Epstein-Barr virus is supported by?
The fact that an immunodeficient state increases the risk for development of a neoplastic growth
The development of cancer is linked to the failure of the normal immune system. (the “hey I know you” system) Possible by
Aging, tumor cells may not be recognized, tumor cells may suppress the immune system
Who is at risk for cancer?
Organ transplant patient, AIDS/Autoimmune Patients, Elderly
Common childhood cancer
Wilms tumor
angiogenesis is what and what stage does it happen in? (Initiation, promotion o Progression)
tumor forms blood vessels to provide access for oxygen & nutrients. This process is also called neovascularization. Happens in Progrssion stage
autonomy
loss of normal controls & rxns that inhibit growth & spreading; property of cancer cells
Stages of cells
G1:Protein & RNA is synthesized, S: DNA is synthesized, G2:mitotic spindle forms occur M:Mitosis occurs
VEGF
Targets proteins that help supply the blood & nutrients to tumor (angiogenesis) & so tumor dies
antineoplastic agents
designated to fight neoplasms (cancer cells), they kill normal cells are well. Used as palliative care when tumor is too big to cure
onocogenic viruses
cancer-causing viruses that change the DNA or RNA in a cell. (C Type RNA & Epstein-Barr virus)
The development of cancer is linked to the failure of the normal immune system possible by?
Age, Tumor cells may not be recognized, tumor cells may suppress the immune system
Rapid multiplying cells
Gi system, Hair, skin, bone marrow
slow cells
breast, testies, ovaries
DES Diethylstilbestrol is the cause of what type of cancer
vaginal carcinomas
Stages of carcinogenesis
initiation, promotion, progression
initiation stage of carcinogenesis
carcinogens alter the cell DNA-it can repair itself but if not it leads to promotion
Promotion stage of carcinogenesis
repeated exposure causes the expression of mutant gene formation “on switch” for cellular growth
Progression stage of carcinogenesis
exhibit increased malignant behaviors (invading, metastasizing)
Carcinogens
agents that initiate or promote cellular transformation
well differentiated
resemble normal cells. Grade 1. You can tell which cells they are, liver cells etc
least differentiated
the loss of similarity to normal cells, Grade 4, cant tell which cells they came from
Unproductive cellular alterations
hyperplasia, metaplasia,dysplasia, anaplasia, neoplasia. Can reverse after irritation is removed or can lea to malignancy esp with dysplasia
T-lymphocytes
recognize tumor-associated antigens
Lymphokines
produced by lymphocytes can kill cancer cells, & mobilize macrophages
Interferon
produced by the body to fight viruses, has some antitumor properties
Antibodies are produced by
B-Lymphocytes
NK (Natural Killer) cells
major defense against cancer cells, they produce lymphokines & enzymes
Incisional biopsy
part of tumor
Excisional biopsy
all of tumor
Tumor grading, G1, G2, G3, G4
resembles tissue of origin, moderately resembles tissue of origin, poorly resembles tissue of origin, undifferentiated
Adenocarcinoma
glandular malignancy
TNM staging is only good for which type of cancer
carinomas
T is in situ
tumor is in the skin, not in tissue just skin
T 1-4
tumors different size and shape
most common spread of malignant cells
lymphatic spread
N1a-N2a
regional node involvement no mets
N1b-3b
regional node involvement suspect mets
characteristics of cancer cells
nucleus is enlarged, surface enzymes aid in invasion & mets, loss of labeling antigens (self), ^rate of anaerobic metabolism, decreased inhibition (stop cell division when contacting another cell), defect in cell recognition & adhesion, loss of control in proliferation, increased mitotic index (large # of cells in mitosis), abnormal life span
Origin of cancer cell
monoclonal origin ( arising from a single cell), Proto-oncogenes (“on-switch” for cell growth), Tumor suppressor genes (“turn-off switch” for unneeded cell growth
