Exam 2: Chapter 11 Flashcards
What is the difference between benign and malignant tumors?
benign: Grow slowly, well-defined capsule, not invasive, well-differentiated, low miotic index, do not metastasize
Malignant: grow rapidly, not encapsulated, invasive, poorly differentiated, high mitotic index, can spread distantly
Lipoma, Leiomyoa, and meningioma are all examples of _________ tumors
a. benign
b. malignant
a. benign
carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma, and leukemia are all examples of _______ tumors
a. benign
b. malignant
b. malignant
what does the stage of cancer tell you?
the size of the tumor and how far it has spread from where it originated
what are the different stages of cancer?
Stage I: No metastasis
Stage II: Local invasion
Stage III: Spread to regional structures
Stage IV: Distant metastasis
what does the grade of cancer tell you?
What the cancer cells look like
list the hallmarks of cancer
- sustained proliferative signaling
- allows cells to divide and replicate uncontrollably
- evading growth suppressors
- mutation (inactivation) of tumor-suppressor genes
- Tumor protein p53 (TP53) - guardian of the genome (supports apoptosis)
*loss of its’ function leads to half of all known cancers/malignancies
- genomic instability
- increased tendency for gnomic mutations during life cycle of the cell (increased risk for cancer)
- telomeres and immortality
- telomeres are protective caps on each chromosome and are held in place by telomerase
- body cells are not immortal and can only divide a limited number of times
- Telomeres ↓ in size with each cell division
- Cancer cells can activate telomerase (unlimited division and proliferation)
- angiogenesis
- growth of new vessels to support tumors
-Responsible for the progression and growth of cancer/tumors - Advanced cancers can secrete angiogenic growth factors
- growth of new vessels to support tumors
- programming energy metabolism
-Warburg effect: use of glycolysis under normal oxygen conditions (aerobic glycolysis)
*allows products of glycolysis to be used for rapid cell growth
*activated by oncogenes and mutant tumor suppressors - resisting apoptotic cell death
- defects in pathways provide resistance to apoptotic cell death
how is the immune system and various pathogens related to cancer?
the normal immune system protects against cancer
immunosuppression fosters cancer – it loses its ability to fight cancer
define metastasis
spread of cancer from a primary site of origin to a distant site
a local spread of cancer is known as
direct invasion of contiguous organs
metastases to distant organs travel through the
lymphatics and blood (vascular and lymphatic pathways)
selectivity of different cancers at different sites
breast cancer –> bones
lymphomas –> spleen
colorectal –> liver
- it also usually occurs late
list the clinical manifestations of cancer
-pain
-fatigue
-syndrome of cachexia (severe form of malnutrition
-anemia
- chronic bleeding can lead to iron deficiency,
- severe malnutrition
- leukopenia and thrombocytopenia
- chemo drugs bad for bone marrow
- infection
- risk increases when neutrophil & lymphocytes fall
-gastrointestinal manifestations (diarrhea, nausea, oral ulcers from decreased cell turnover from chemo and radiation)
- hair and skin manifestations
- alopecia, skin breakdown and dryness
what are tumor cell markers?
tumor cell markers (biological markers) are substances produced by cancer cells that are found in tumor cells, in the blood, CSF or urine
tumor marker cells are used to…
-screen and identify individuals at high risk for cancer
-diagnose specific types of tumors
-observe clinical course of cancer
-concerns: false positives and negatives
Which of the following statements is TRUE?
A. All neoplasms are cancerous.
B. Benign growths are cancerous.
C. Malignant tumors have slow growth.
D. Cancer refers to a malignant tumor.
D. Cancer refers to a malignant tumor
