intro to cancer bio Flashcards
what is the definition of neoplasm?
a mass of cells proliferating at an inappropriate rate
can be benign or malignant
what is the definition of cancer?
a group of diseases that result in the spread of mutated cells throughout the body
what does benign mean?
non cancerous tumour cytologically 'normal' contained by capsule of connective tissue localised, no spread to distant sites causes local pressure or obstruction can be surgical removed
what does malignant mean?
cancerous tumour cellular abnormalities invades and destroys metastasise to other locations and cause secondary tumours lethal if untreated
what are examples of cellular abnormalities present in malignant tumours?
increase in cell number
variation in shape and size
increase in nuclear size and staining density
can benign tumours have serious effects? give examples
yes, dependant on anatomical site
brain tumour can increase intracranial pressure
pituitary tumour can cause the overproduction of hormones and cause an imbalance
optic nerve tumours an lead to blindness
why are malignant tumours life threatening?
cause physical obstructions
invades other organs
compromises function
compete fiercely with healthy tissue for nutrients and oxygen
what does grading mean?
degree of differentiation
based on microscopic examination
histological and cytological criteria
done by a histopathologist
what is staging?
extent of tumour spread
based on morphological assessment
TNM system
what is the TNM system?
tumour size
lymph node involved
metastasis
what does TX mean?
no available information on primary tumour
what does T0 mean?
no evidence of primary tumour
what does Tis mean?
carcinoma in situ
what does T1 mean?
tumour is less than 2cm in diameter
what does T2 mean?
tumour is 2-4cm in diameter
