Lecture 1 1/30/25 Flashcards
What is cancer?
uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation
What are the general characteristics of cancer?
-common
-no species boundaries
-affects almost all cellular organisms
-can be benign or malignant
-can be curable or uncurable
What are the components of modern oncology?
-understanding of cancer biology and behavior
-early detection
-accurate diagnosis
-effective treatment
What are the basic hallmarks of cancer?
-self-sufficient cell growth
-no response to anti-growth signals
-evasion of apoptosis
-limitless replicative potential
-sustained angiogenesis
-ability to invade and metastasize
What are the known causes of cancer?
-genetic/heritable
-environmental
-infectious
-dietary
-hormonal
-chronic inflammation/trauma
What is the general etiology of cancer?
accumulation of mutations and loss of genetic integrity
What are the characteristics of renal cystadenocarcinoma with nodular dermatofibrosis/RCND?
-only heritable cancer known in vet med
-occurs in german shepherd dogs
-affects kidneys and skin
-mutation in folliculin gene on canine chromosome 5
-autosomal dominant
Which cancer is predisposed in bernese mountain dogs?
histiocytic cancers
Which cancers are predisposed in boxers?
-lymphoma
-mast cell tumor
Which cancer is predisposed in golden retrievers?
lymphoma
Which cancer is predisposed in german shepherds?
hemangiosarcoma
Which cancer is predisposed in giant breeds like great danes, irish wolfhounds, and rottweilers?
osteosarcoma
Which cancer is predisposed in scottish terriers and shetland sheepdogs?
transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder
Which environmental factors are of interest in oncology?
-tobacco smoke
-chemicals; pesticides, herbicides, insecticides
-living environment
-sunlight
-magnetic fields
-radiation exposure
-asbestos exposure
Which cancers are associated with tobacco smoke in dogs and cats?
dogs:
-lymphoma
-nasal carcinoma
cats:
-lymphoma
-oral squamous cell carcinoma
Which cancers are associated with chemical exposure in dogs?
-lymphoma
-transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder
Which cancers are associated with urban environments in dogs?
-lymphoma
-tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma
-nasal carcinoma
Which cancer is associated with proximity to hazardous waste sites in dogs?
lymphoma
Which cancers are seen in white/lightly pigmented animals exposed to excessive sunlight?
dogs:
-dermal hemangiosarcoma
-cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
cats:
-carcinoma of nasal planum, ear pinnae, and eyelids
Which cancers are associated with electromagnetic fields, radiation, and asbestos?
electromagnetic fields: canine lymphoma
radiation: hematologic cancer, sarcoma
asbestos: mesothelioma
Which cancers are associated with infectious etiologies?
-lymphoma: FeLV or FeLV/FIV co-infection
-esophageal fibrosarcoma: Spirocerca lupi
-bladder cancer: Schistosomiasis
-multifocal sarcomas: FeSV
-cutaneous warts: papillomavirus
Which cancers have been linked to obesity in dogs?
-bladder cancer/transitional cell carcinoma
-mammary cancer
What are the characteristics of sex hormone contribution to cancer?
-mammary cancer occurs in intact female dogs and cats
-spaying prior to 6 months of age provides lowest risk of mammary cancer
-intact males are at increased risk of testicular cancer
-neutered males are at increased risk of prostatic cancer
Which cancers are associated with trauma/chronic inflammation in cats?
-feline ocular sarcoma
-feline injection site sarcoma
-IBD-LSA (IBD-associated lymphoma)
