carcinogenesis Flashcards
define carcinogenesis
- the transformation of normal cells to neoplasmic cells through permenet genetic alterations or mutations
outline the difference between carcinogenesis and oncogenesis.
- Oncogenesis: Refers to the process of tumor formation, which includes both benign and malignant tumors.
- Carcinogenesis: Refers specifically to the process of cancer formation, describing the transformation of normal cells into malignant cancer cells with the potential to invade and spread.
outline the different classes of carcinogens.
- Chemical
- Viral
- Ionising and non-ionising radiation
- Hormones, parasites and mycotoxins
- Miscellaneous
define the term mutagenic and how does it relate to carcinogenesis and oncogenesis?
- process which alters DNA
- is baso what happens in both these
name some ways in which we have begun to identify carcinogens and what they are?
- animal testing and other experimental evidence eg cell cultures
- strong associations between specific events and the development of cancers eg Chernobyl and thyroid cancer
- epidemialogical evidence - eg in japan they have more oesophageal cancer bc they drink scolding hot drinks
- occupation and behavioural risks eg smoking
outline a few examples of chemical carcinogens
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons - found in smoking and mineral oils - lung and skin cancer
aromatic amines - bladder cancer - rubber/dye workers
nitrosamines - gut cancer - proven in animals
alkylating agents (cancer meds) - leukaemia - small risk
outline some examples of viral carcinogens
- dna viruses - eg hepB
- rna viruses - hepC
outline some examples of some ionising and non-ionising carcinogens.
non ionising - UVA and UVB - sunlight
ionising - xrays, uranium mining
outline some biological carcinogens.
- increase in oestrogen - mammary / endometrial cancer
- anabolic steroids - hepatocellular cancer
- mycotoxins
- parasites - bladder cancer
outline a few miscellaneous carcinogens
- asbestos
- metals - lead
name some host factors which are cancer causing
Ethnicity - inc of oral C in india, dec in skin cancer bc more melanin
Diet / Lifestyle
Constitutional factors - age, gender, etc.
Premalignant lesions
Transplacental exposure - things exposed to in placenta before birth
outline constitutional host factors
- inherited predisposition
- incidence increases with age
- differ between women then men eg women more likely to get breast cancer
outline some premalignant condition host factors
Identifiable local abnormality associated with increased risk of malignancy at that site:
Colonic polyps
Cervical dysplasia (CIN)
Ulcerative colitis
Undescended testis
outline a transplacental host factor carcinogen
Diethylstilboestrol (drug) → ↑ vaginal cancer - increased daughters chance of getting cancer
jared has been smoking the lit end of a cigarette for the majority of his adult life, what type of cancer does this increase his changes of getting?
oral
