Module 3: Neoplasm Flashcards
Neoplasm
New growth = tumour
Cell differentiation
Cells acquiring characteristics of the tissue they make up
Benign rumour
Growth of cells that have lost their ability to control proliferation but usually slow, fairly well-differentiated and organized, do not invade beyond capsule, and do not metastasize
Malignant tumour
Growth of cells that have lost control of proliferation and loss of differentiation and tissue organization. Pleomorphic and anaplastic. Lack capsule and invade local blood vessels and lymphatics. Metastasize far beyond origin
Carcinoma
Cancer of epithelial tissue
Sarcoma
Cancer of mesenchymal tissue (connective tissue, bone, muscle)
Anaplasia
Loss of differentiation
Metastasis
Spreading of cancer cells far beyond its tissue of origin
Carcinoma in situ
Refers to growth with malignant characteristics (increased proliferation and pleomorphic) in epithelial tissue but has not yet invaded local tissue (technically not yet malignant), must wait and see what happens (may never spread, may be benign, may regress)
Telomerase
Enzymes that cancer cells have that allows them to be “immortal”, telomerase can lengthen telomeres so they can keep dividing without limit
Porto-oncogene
Genes that in their non-mutant state that help regulate cell growth and differentiation. (Could become mutated and active–called oncogene, causes faster growth of cells)
Tumour suppressor genes
Genes that help regulate cell division of damaged cells (will slow down rate of division or stop it) to reduce mutations
Pap test
Gathering and examining cervical/peritoneal/pleural secretions to see if there are any abnormal cells indicative of a tumour/cancer
Grading
Classification of a tumour based on its cellular characteristics
Staging
Classifying a tumour based on its size and whether it has spread
Paraneoplastic syndrome
Signs and symptoms caused by a cancer but because of the effects of the tumour itself
Cachexia
Losing body weight due to disruptions during metabolic reactions (weight can’t be regained nutritionally)
Induction chemotherapy
Cocktail of drugs that target metabolic pathways (quickly dividing cells) in hopes of targeting cancer cells, given alone
Adjuvant chemotherapy
Mixture of drugs that target quickly dividing cells (in hopes it will target cancer cells) given AFTER surgery to kill off remaining cancer cells
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Drugs that target cells that divide rapidly in hopes of targeting cancer cells, given BEFORE surgery to lessen removal or normal tissue
