Invasion and Metastasis Flashcards
What is the role of the cell stroma
Provides:
- Mechanical support
- Intercellular signalling
- Nutrition to neoplastic cells
How does the stroma form
- Desmoplastic reaction caused by fibroblast proliferation
How does the storm assist in neoplasm formation
- Blood vessels contained in storm perfuse the tumour
What factor determines how quickly the neoplasm develops
Ability of blood vessels in the storm to persuade it
Why would neoplastic tumours be limited in growth If not vascularised properly
- Only relies on nutrient diffusion into it
When does a tumour stop expanding
Once it reaches 1-2 mm in diameter
When is angiogenesis induced
By VEGF
What factors oppose the effect of VEGF
Angiostatin and endostatin
What are the characteristics of tumours with a polypoid shape
Benign
HOW CAN ULCERATED TUMOURS BE DISTINGUISHED FROM NON-NEOPLASTIC UCLERS
THE FORMER HAS HEAPED-UP IRREGULAR EDGES
What are benign tumours capsulated by
Connective tissue
How does a polyp form
When a benign tumour arises in epithelial or mucosal surfaces, it grows away from the surface as it can’t invade
Define a sessile polyp
Sits on surface and is FLAT
Define a pedunculate polyp
When a poly grows away from mucosal surface to form a stalk structure
Why would a benign tumour still cause problems
- Pressure on adjacent tissues
- Obstruction of flow
- Production of a hormone
- Anxiety
What are patients with widespread metastases called
Carcinomatosis
Define an endophytic tumour
Inwards direction of growth into underlying tissue
Define histogenesis
Specific cell or tissue of origin of an individual tumour
What cells form sarcomas
Connective tissues
What cells form carcinomas
Epithelial cells
What cells form leukaemia
Lymphoid organs
What is the tumour grade
The extent to which the tumour resembles histologically to the tissue of origin (degree of differentiation)
Define dysplasia
Immature cells escape from basal cell layer
Define in situ carcinoma
Total loss of stratification, immature cells throughout + basement membrane intact
What is a cyst
Fluid-filled space lined by epithelium
What is a pleomorphic nuclei
Where nuclei can vary in shape and size