Chapter 6: Neoplasia Flashcards
neoplasm
new growth
neoplasia
the process of a new growth
A neoplasm could also be called what
tumor
the common term for all malignant tumors; a term used for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and are able to invade other tissues
cancer
oncology is defined as
the study of tumors and neoplasm
What is a neoplasia?
abnormal mass of tissue, the growth of which extends and is uncoordinated with that of the normal tissues and persists in the same excessive manner after taking away the stimuli that caused it
What are the differences between neoplastic growth and normal adaption?
Neoplasms proliferate to form new tissue.
They do not wait for signals from the body that new tissue is needed
The ignore signals to stop dividing
They often do not mature normally (differentiate) to do that “job” the tissue is supposed to do
They do not die off to keep the number of total cells constant.
process in which a generic cell develops into a specific type of cell in response to specific triggers from the body or cell itself
differentation
reserve cells that remain quiet until a need for replenishment
stem cells
define benign tumors
usually don’t turn into cancer.
grow slowly/stop, well defined capsule, not invasive, well differentiated, low mitotic index, do not metastasize, often fibrous, grows by expanison
define malignant tumors
cancerous
grow rapidly, not encapsulated, invasive, poorly differentiated, high mitotic index, can spread distantly, rob nutrients, compress vessels, steals enzymes and toxins.
majority of cancers are caused by
genetic and molecular mechanisms
genetic and molecular mechanisms do what to the body
damage and mutation within the body
what are the external factors/environment/hosts that can cause cancer?
age, heredity, enviromental agents, diets, exposures
proto-oncogenes-
good guys/normal genes that code proteins that help to regulate cell growth and differentation
oncogene-
bad guy/ a gene that, when expressed in high levels, helps turn a normal cell into a tumor cell
oncogene encourage
the growth of abnormal/mutated gene
to help allow for cells to divide and increase in number. when damaged cells try to replicate these stop them until damage is repaired
tumor-supressor gene
tumor supressor genes promote
apoptosis
malfunctioning tumor supressor genes allow for
damaged cells to continue replication
recruitment of blood vessels from the network of neighbooring vessels
angiogenesis
angiogenesis is triggered and regulated by
tumor growth factors
advanced cancers can secrete _________ factors to faciliate “feeding the tumor”
angiogenic
the act of individual tumor cells using blood vessels as highways once angiogenesis has occured
metastasis
cancer is predominantly a disease of
aging
_______ _______ required before cancer can develop
multiple mutations
what is another important factor affecting tumor growth?
age
What are some of the external/environmental factors that cause cancer?
chemicals known as carcinogens, radiation, viruses: EBV, HPV, Hep B, heredity, obesity, and hormones
______ ________ is an important factor in the development of cancer.
chronic inflammation
Your patient comes and has these three signs: obese, inflammation and hormone changes. What do they have an increase risk of?
Cancer
What three things can lead to an increase risk of cancer?
obesity, inflammation, and hormone changes
What kinds of cancer are linked to family history?
breast, ovarian, prostate, and colon
what is important to know about a patient to understand possible links to cancer?
genetic screening and family history.
proven human carcinogen
radiation
substances produced by tumor cells or by other cells of the body in response to cancer or certain benign conditions
tumor markers
tumor markers are used for
screening, monitoring and detecting recurrence esp in high risk individuals
what is the purpose of a pap test?
looking for abnormal cells; size, shape or organization
removal of tissue speciman for microscopic study. allows for diagnosing type and background of origin
tissue biopsy
what are the main issues with benign tumors?
space occupation, tissue, pain, pressure, bleeding and inflammation secondary to necrosis.
true or false: benign tumors can not kill you
false; benign tumors can kill you
