Chapter 1 WS Flashcards
What is ionizing radiation?
Radiation consisting of particles, X-rays or gamma rays, with sufficient energy to cause ionization (removes electrons from the atomic shells of the target which can lead to breaking of chemical bonds and other damages leading to cell death) in the medium through which it passes.
In 1600 BC, what was believed to be the cause of cancer
black bile
define cellular differentiation
A stem cell that undergoes mitosis and divides into daughter cells. It is the degree to which a cell resembles its cell of origin in morphology and function
cancer is a disease of the
genes
what are somatic cells
Any cell of a living organism other than reproductive cells.
define proto-oncogenes
Normal genes that play a role in normal growth and differentiation. They are precursors of oncogenes.
define oncogenes
genes that regulate the development and growth of cancerous tissue
define antionocogenes
? Also called tumor-suppressor genes. Genes that tell cells to stop multiplying. Inactivation of antioncogenes allows the malignant process to flourish
what is a DNA point mutation
A change within a gene in which one base pair in the DNA sequence is altered. Point mutations are frequently the result of mistakes made during DNA replication, although modification of DNA, such as through exposure to X-rays or to ultraviolet radiation, also can induce point mutations.
Can transform a pro-oncogene into an oncogene, resulting in unrestricted cellular growth. P. 3
Example of a DNA point mutation is sickle cell anemia. This single small change causes a normally round red blood cell to instead be sickle-shaped.
what is a DNA amplification
An increase in the number of copies of a gene. There may also be an increase in the RNA and protein made from that gene. Gene amplification is common in cancer cells, and some amplified genes may cause cancer cells to grow or become resistant to anticancer drugs.
what are DNA translocations
? In a translocation, a segment from one chromosome is transferred to a nonhomologous chromosome or to a new site on the same chromosome. Translocations place genes in new linkage relationships and generate chromosomes without normal pairing partners
- What is the relationship between cancer and point mutation, amplification, and translocations?
These mutations transform a proto-oncogene into an oncogene, resulting in unrestricted cellular grown
what are mammalian cells
Cells that belong to any warm blooded vertebrate having the skin more or less covered with hair;young are born alive and are nourished with milk
located outside the cell cycle continuum because these cells are fully functioning, not preparing for DNA replication.
G0 phase
(first growth phase)-characterized by rapid growth and active metabolism. The length of time a cell remains here is variable.
The cells synthesizes the necessary RNA and proteins to carry out the function of the cell.
G1 phase
the period in which the cell prepare for actual division. Enzymes and proteins are synthesized and the cell continues to grow and moves relatively quickly into the M phase
G2 phase
cells divides
M (mitosis)
during which phase of the cell cycle are cells most sensitive to radiation
G2 and M; but if you only option is to pick one, choose M this is when the cell is actually dividing
define necrosis
dead tissue
why does necrosis occur when malignant tumors grow larger
Because the tumor outgrows the blood, oxygen and nutrient supply
what does the gompertzian growth curve demonstrate
Demonstrates that with cancer: there is rapid cellular proliferation followed by continuous but slowed proliferation.
define cell morphology
identifying the shape, structure, form, and size of cells.
define pleomorphic cells
cells vary in size and shape
define cell doubling time
the amount of time it takes for one cell to divide or for a group of tumo cells to double in size
how are tumors classified
by their anatomic site, cell of origin, and biologic behavior
define well differentiated tumors
closely resemble their cell of origin
Define undifferentiated tumors
do not resemble normal cells
tumors are divided into what two categories
benign or malignant
Give an example of a benign tumor that might be considered behaviorally malignant
brain tumor because of the adverse effect on the host
-oma
tumor
If the suffix oma is on the end of a root word, does this indicate a tumor is benign or malignant?
benign but there are exceptions
is melanoma benign or malignant
malignant
define mets
Spreading of a cancer to a site in the body distant from the primary site
What are mesenchymal cells
Stem cells that can differentiate into a variety of cell types such as cells that make up connective tissue such as cartilage, bone, and adipose(fat) tissue; muscle tissue
what are sarcomas
tumors that arise from mesenchymal cells
are sarcomas malignant
yes
what are carcinomas
tumors that originate from epithelia tissue
Malignant tumors that originate from the lining of epithelium are called what?
Squamous cell carcinomas (ex. Squamous cells carcinoma of the lung, oral cavity, pharynx, anus, cervix
Malignant tumors that originate from glandular epithelial cells are called what?
Adenocarcinomas. (ex. Adenocarcinoma of the colon and rectum, endometrium, prostate.
what is hodgkin disease
cancer of the lymphatic system
what is wilms tumor
kidney cancer that primarily affects children
what is ewing sarcoma
A type of cancer that occurs in bone or soft tissue around the bone. Usually occurs in adolescents or young adults.
define in situ
An early form of cancer defined by the absence of invasion, the tumor has not broken through the basement membrane into the connective tissue.
List the 3 most common types of invasive cancers in men.
prostate, lung, colorectal cancer
List the 3 most common types of invasive cancers in women
breast, lung, colorectal cancer
The Papanicolaou smear is a screening test for which type of cancer?
cervical cancer
When the American Cancer Society records its cancer statistics, are in situ carcinomas included in the numbers?
No
What specific type of cancer is not included in the ACS records for cancer stats?
skin cancer with the exception of melanoma
Are the incidences of certain types of cancers the same all around the world? No Why or Why not?
Diet and geographic environmental factors contribute to the incidence
define etiology
the study of the casue of a disease
5 etiology factors for cancer
Cigarette smoke, human papillomavirus virus (HPV), alcohol, sun exposure, ionizing radiation
3 ways etiologic and epidemiology information is used
Used to determine screening tests for early detection,
produce patient education programs,
identify target populations`
define epidemiology
the study of disease incidence
how does epidemiology provide statistical info for national databases
National databases provide statistical information about patterns of cancer occurrence and death rates. With this information, researchers can determine the incidence of cancer occurrence in population for factors such as age, gender, race, and geographic location. Researchers can also determine which specific type of cancer affects which specific group of people. Can also help to determine trends in disease (increase or decrease in incidences of certain types of cancer over time)
According to the statistics, who has a higher incidence of prostate cancer in the U.S. (African-American men or white men)?
africian american men
period in which DNA is replicated to ensure that the resulting daughter cells will have identical genetic material.
S phase (synthesis)
