Exam 2 Flashcards
neoplasm
any new or abnormal cellular growth; specifically one that is uncontrolled and progressive; relatively autonomous growth of tissue (growth is not properly regulated by the normal biochemical and physical influences); refers to benign and malignant tumors
tumor
an abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Tumors may be benign (not cancer), or malignant (cancer). Also called neoplasm
benign
growth of cells is steady, slow; usually confined; treatable, not fatal but can cause problems. Benign tumors may grow larger but do not spread to other parts of the body. Also called nonmalignant
malignant
cells can invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body (metastasis); resistant to treatment and frequently fatal. Cancerous
carcinoma
malignant tumor originating in epithelial tissues, like skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. (e.g. breast, colon, melanocytes, liver)
sarcoma
malignant tumor originating in connective tissue (bone, muscle, adipose, hematopoietic, lymphoid)
metastasis
the spread of cancer from one part of the body to another
cancer
Disorder of cell growth and regulation
- No limits for cellular replication
- Production of cells that serve no purpose
Malignant neoplasms
What is the 2nd leading cause of mortality?
cancer
carcinogen
Substance which causes cancer
carcinogenesis
Multi-step process in which normal cells are transformed into cancer cells
What are the risk factors for cancer?
Cigarette smoke
Pesticides
Certain food additives (nitrosamines, nitrites)
Polycyclic hydrocarbons (many chemicals: some are produced due to charring protein foods)
Occupational hazards (asbestos)
Aflatoxin B1 (produced by mold that may grow in grains and nuts stored in warm, humid environments)
nitrosamines + sodium nitrate are
added to cured meats to help inhibit the growth of Clostridium botulinum
What can you add to cured meats in production of the product to decrease nitrosamine formation?
ascorbic acid or tocopherol
What happens during radiation?
DNA is damaged beyond repair
Radiation is believed to be a ________________?
initiator
What sources are known to be carcinogenic?
X-rays
UV light (skin cancer)
Radioactive materials
Atomic wastes
What are lifestyle factors that can increase the risk of cancer?
emotional stress
Estrogen-progestin therapy (menopause) increases
breast cancer risk
Estrogen therapy (ET) for menopause increases
endometrial cancer risk
Oral contraceptives _____________ the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers, but ____________ the risk of breast, cervical, and liver cancers
decrease, increase
chronic inflammation has been linked to
DNA damage
The inflammatory response produces cytokines, which are
the chemicals in the immune response that encourage cell proliferation and suppress apoptosis
T/F: Cancers involve genetics to a certain degree.
True
T/F: A small percentage of cancers are considered hereditary.
True
What decreases the risk of cancer?
antioxidants
soy (except for breast cancers in animals)
protein
phytochemicals
fruits/veggies
whole grains, fiber, vitamin D
physical activity
What increases the risk of cancer?
Too much:
dietary fat/trans fat/saturated fat
calories
alcohol
red meats
obesity
certain food prep methods (blackened, cured/smoked)
Cruciferous vegetables contain certain kinds of chemical compounds called
glucosinates
What do glucosinates do?
break down into several biologically active compounds that may have anticancer effects
Examples of cruciferous vegetables
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Bok choy
Brussel sprouts
Breast Cancer: annual mammogram starting at
age 45
Cervical Cancer: PAP and pelvic exam every
3 years after 21 y/o
Colorectal Cancer: colonoscopy every
10 years starting at age 45
Prostate Cancer: serum prostate-specific antigen for
men >50 y/o
Chemoprevention examples are
Carotenoids
Resveratrol (in wine)
Quercetin (flavonoid)
Catechins (black and green tea)
Diallyl Disulfide (garlic)
Thymoquinone (black cumin)
Various spices
initiation
mutation/damage in DNA (presumed to occur in genes regulating cell production). Thought to be irreversible
promotion
alteration of genetic expression in cell (causing increased expression of a gene with critical mutation; increased cell proliferation)
progression
further mutations from genetic instability (chromosomal instability) during promotion and recruitment of inflammatory immune cells to the tumor
neoplasm growth rates are determined by
Characteristics of the host (age, gender, overall health, nutritional status, and immune function)
Original cell type (its natural rate of proliferation)
Blood supply
Cancer cells may grow locally or metastasize
tumor images techniques
MRI
CT scan
ultrasound
PET
mammogram
bone scan
invasive tumor imaging techniques
biopsy
cytologic aspiration
laparascopy
what can be used for early cancer detection?
biomarkers
tumors are classified by ________
stage
what is the tumor classification system called?
Tumor Node Metastasis Staging System
What questions are asked to determine the stage of a tumor?
Depth, surface spread, and tumor size (T)
Are lymph nodes affected & #(N)
Has the tumor metastasized (M)
How many stages are there in determining tumor stage?
5: 0, I, II, III, IV
carcinomas
epithelial tissue
sarcomas
connective tissue
lymphomas
lymphatic system
gliomas
glial cells of CNS
leukemias
bone marrow
cachexia
weakness and wasting of the body due to severe chronic illness, leads to metabolic alterations and the inability to perform daily tasks
Are all cancers prone to cachexia?
no, but it is frequently present in cancer patients
Why is decreased food intake common in cancer patients?
pain with eating, changes in taste/smell, bitterness or metal taste
