L12- Tumour pathology

Question 1

What is a neoplasm?

Answer 1

• An abnormal mass of tissue
• The growth of which exceeds and is uncoordinated with that of the normal tissues
• Persists in the same excessive manner after cessation of stimuli

Question 2

What are the basic tumour components?

Answer 2

1. Proliferating neoplastic cells that constitute the parenchyma
2. Supportive stroma of connective tissue, blood vessels and lymphatics

Question 3

What is a papilloma?

Answer 3

Outgrowth on surface

Question 4

What are polyps?

Answer 4

Mass on a stalk, proliferation takes place, colour changes

Question 5

What is the suffix used to describe a benign tumour?

Answer 5

-oma

Question 6

What is the suffix used to describe benign tumours derived from glandular tissue?

Answer 6

-adenoma

Question 7

What is the word for tumours formed of multiple cells?

Answer 7

Teratoma

Question 8

What are malignant tumours referred to as?

Answer 8

Carcinomas

Question 9

What are cancers arising in mesenchymal tissue known as?

Answer 9

Sarcomas

Question 10

What do carcinomas and sarcomas spread by?

Answer 10

• Carcinomas normally by lymphatic system

* Sarcomas normally by blood stream (spread to lungs first)

Question 11

What are the mechanisms of cancer invasion?

Answer 11

• Physical invasion- growth of tumour mass
• Reduced adhesiveness and cohesiveness of tumour cells
• Increased motility of tumour cells
• Loss of contact inhibition (when cells stop proliferating when they touch eachother)
• Release of destructive enzymes to destroy surrounding stroma and fibroblasts

Question 12

What are the differences between malignant and benign neoplasms?

Answer 12

1. Differentiation and anaplasia- malignant tumours are not well differentiated, cell sizes vary
2. Rate of growth- malignant tumours grow rapidly
3. Encapsulation- invasion
4. Metastasis