kura cloud cancer

Question 1

what is the difference between primary and secondary cancers?

Answer 1

Cancer is a disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body. Primary cancers arise directly from the cells in an organ. Secondary cancers and metastases spread from another organ, directly or by other means (blood or lymph).

Question 2

what are the sites of GI cancers?

Answer 2

Oesophageal
Stomach
Biliary system
Pancreatic
Colorectal - small intestine, large intestine, colon and anus

Question 3

what are the types of oesophageal cancer?

Answer 3

Adenocarcinoma

From metaplastic columnar epithelium
Lower 1/3 of oesophagus
Related to acid reflux

Squamous cell carcinoma

From normal oesophageal squamous epithelium
Upper 2/3 of oesophagus
Acetaldehyde pathway

Question 4

from the types of oesophageal cancer which one affects rich and poor countries?

Answer 4

Adenocarcinoma:
More developed world

Squamous cell carcinoma:
Less developed world

Question 5

who does adenocarcinoma affect more?

Answer 5

Occurs 10 times more frequently in men

Question 6

describe the development of adenocarnicoma?

Answer 6

1. Normal epithelium
2. Hyperplasia - abnormal proliferation of epithelial cells
3. Development of adenomatous polyps
4. Development of adenocarcinoma
5. Metastasis

Question 7

Describe the development of small cell carcinoma?

Answer 7

1. Normal epithelium
2. Metaplasia - development of abnormal squamous cell
3. Dysplasia - proliferation of abnormal cells
4. Severe dysplasia - almost all cells are abnormal
5. Development of squamous cell carcinoma
6. Metastitsis

Question 8

what is pancreatic cancer known as and what symptoms does it cause?

Answer 8

Often referred to as the ‘silent killer’ as diagnosis is often very late.

Early symptoms include depression, abdominal pain and glucose intolerance. Subsequent advanced symptoms include weight loss, jaundice, ascites and gall bladder obstructions.

Question 9

how is alcohol consumption linked to small cell carcinoma?

Answer 9

The link to alcohol is due to the acetaldehyde metabolite, which damages the epithelial cells. where mutations in the acetaldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme leads to build up of this metabolite, increasing the risk of cancer.

Question 10

what are the symptoms of oseophageal cancer?

Answer 10

Difficulty and pain when swallowing
Weight loss - due to lack of nutrition
Pain in the breast bone and stomach, or a feeling of reflux

In later stages, further symptoms include:

Nausea, vomiting, and regurgitation of food
Vomiting blood, due to trauma to the tumour

Question 11

what is the treatment of oesophageal cancer?

Answer 11

Surgery
In early stages, the tumour may be removed from the oesophageal wall
Oesophagectomy - removal of part of the oesophagus
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy

Question 12

what is colorectal cancer?

Answer 12

Occurs in the colon or rectum

Question 13

what are the causes of colorectal cancer?

Answer 13

old age, and lifestyle factors including diet (link to consumption of red meat and processed meat), alcohol, obesity, tobacco smoking and lack of physical activity.

Question 14

what are the symptoms of colon cancer?

Answer 14

Worsening constipation
Blood in the stool
Loss of appetite
Loss of weight
Nausea and Vomiting
Rectal bleeding
Anemia