Immunology Flashcards
Tumor Markers
proteins released into the serum by tumors that can be used to screen populations for cancer and to monitor for recurrence after treatment
PSA, CEA, Alpha Fetoprotein
lack specific and sensitivity for early detection of cancer
PSA
prostate specific antigen and prostatic adenocarcinonma
CEA
carcinoembryonic antigen and carcinomas of the colon, pancreases, stomach, breast
BS PC
Alpha Fetoprotein
hepatocellular carcinoma, teratocarcinomas, embryonal cell carcinomas
-most likely used in the screening of patients for cancer
Tumor antigens
CTLs are the major immune defense mechanism against tumors
Tumor specific antigens
only on tumor cells (oncogenes and anti-oncogenes)
Tumor Associated antigens
on tumor an some normal cells
Benign tumor
its microscopic and gross characteristics are relatively innocent, implying that it will remain localized and is amenable to local surgical removal
neoplasia
new growth
oncology
study of tumor
malignant tumor
collectively referred to as cancer, the lesion can invade and destroy adjacent structures and spread to distant sites to cause death
Differentiation and Anaplasia
- benign neoplasms are composed of well-differentiated cells that closely resemble their normal counterparts
- lack of differentiation, or anaplasia, is a hallmark of malignancy
Rate of Growth
- benign neoplasms are slow growing
- correlates inversely with level of differentiation of malignant tumors i.e. poorly differentiate tumors grow more rapidly
Local Invasion
- benign neoplasms remain localized to site of origin
- malignant tumors grow by progressive infiltration, invasion, destruction, and penetration