L01: what is a tumour?

Question 1

How do mutations arise?

Answer 1

copying errors during replication
spontaneous depurination
exposure to carcinogens

Question 2

What is a carcinoma?

Answer 2

Cancer arising from epihtelial cells

Question 3

What is a sarcoma?

Answer 3

Cancer arising from mesenchymal/connective tissue

Question 4

What is an adenocarcinoma?

Answer 4

Cancer arising from glandular tissue (malignant)

Question 5

What is an adenoma?

Answer 5

BENIGN tumour in glandular tissue

Question 6

Are tumours monoclonal?

Answer 6

Yes - they initially arise from single cell but can become heterogenous as other cell types get involved

Question 7

Gate-keeper vs driver mutations

Answer 7

Gate-keeper: mutation that causes cancer to ARISE (different depending on cancer)
Driver: mutations allowing tumour progression & malignancy

Question 8

What defines a malignant tumour?

Answer 8

When it breaks free of the basement membrane

Question 9

What are the 6 hallmarks of cancer?

Answer 9

Self sufficiency in growth signals 
Insensitivity to anti-growth signals 
Evasion of apoptosis 
Limitless replicative potential 
Sustained angiogenesis 
Tissue invasion + metastasis