Neoplasia Flashcards
What is neoplasia?
New, uncontrolled growth of cells that is not under physiological control.
Example sentence: Neoplasia can lead to the formation of tumors.
What suffix is commonly used to indicate a benign tumor?
-oma
Example sentence: Lipoma is an example of a benign tumor.
What is a benign tumor of adipose tissue called?
Lipoma
Additional information: Lipomas are usually harmless and painless.
What type of benign tumor produces a glandular pattern?
Adenoma
Example sentence: Adenomas can arise in various organs, including the colon.
What does the term “carcinoma” refer to?
A malignant tumor arising from epithelial cells.
Example sentence: Lung carcinoma is a common form of cancer.
Define “sarcoma.”
A malignant tumor arising from mesenchymal (connective) tissue.
Example sentence: Sarcomas can be found in soft tissues or bones.
What is a papilloma?
A benign epithelial tumor growing exophytically (outwardly).
Example sentence: Papillomas are often seen in the skin or mucous membranes.
What characterizes an adenoma?
A benign tumor of glandular origin.
Example sentence: Thyroid adenomas can lead to hormone overproduction.
What is the main difference between benign and malignant tumors?
Benign tumors do not invade or metastasize, while malignant tumors do.
Example sentence: Malignant tumors can spread to distant organs.
Which characteristic is typical of benign tumors?
Slow growth and encapsulation.
Example sentence: Benign tumors often have well-defined borders.
Which feature is NOT typically associated with malignant tumors?
Encapsulation.
Example sentence: Malignant tumors tend to infiltrate surrounding tissues.
What is an example of a benign tumor?
Fibroma.
Example sentence: Fibromas can be found in the skin, breast, or uterus.
What is the most common cancer in females worldwide?
Breast cancer.
Example sentence: Breast cancer screening is important for early detection.
What environmental factor is most strongly associated with lung cancer?
Smoking.
Example sentence: Smoking cessation reduces the risk of lung cancer.
What is the role of tumor suppressor genes?
To regulate cell growth and prevent tumor formation.
Example sentence: Mutations in tumor suppressor genes can lead to cancer development.
What does “pleomorphism” refer to?
Variation in size and shape of cells.
Example sentence: Pleomorphism is a characteristic feature of malignant cells.
Which gene is known as the “guardian of the genome”?
p53.
Example sentence: p53 mutations are common in many types of cancer.
What does the “two-hit” hypothesis of oncogenesis refer to?
The requirement for two mutations to inactivate tumor suppressor genes.
Example sentence: The two-hit hypothesis explains the genetic basis of cancer.
What is the significance of detecting atypical mitotic figures in a tumor?
It indicates high cellular proliferation, often seen in malignant tumors.
Example sentence: Atypical mitotic figures are a sign of aggressive tumor growth.
What is the primary difference between hyperplasia and neoplasia?
Hyperplasia is controlled and reversible; neoplasia is uncontrolled and irreversible.
Example sentence: Hyperplasia can be a precursor to neoplasia.
Which term describes a malignant tumor originating from epithelial tissue?
Carcinoma.
Example sentence: Carcinomas can arise in the skin, lungs, or breast.
Which of the following is a hallmark of cancer?
Sustained proliferative signaling.
Example sentence: Cancer cells often have dysregulated growth signals.
Which mutation is most commonly associated with pancreatic adenocarcinoma?
KRAS mutation.
Example sentence: KRAS mutations are frequently found in pancreatic cancer.
What type of mutation can lead to oncogenesis?
Gain-of-function mutation in proto-oncogenes.
Example sentence: Proto-oncogene mutations can drive cell proliferation.
What pathway is commonly used by carcinomas to spread?
Lymphatic spread.
Example sentence: Lymphatic spread can lead to regional metastasis.
What does “anaplasia” indicate in tumor cells?
Lack of differentiation and cellular disorganization.
Example sentence: Anaplastic tumors are highly aggressive and undifferentiated.
What is the role of p53 in cancer biology?
It regulates the cell cycle and induces apoptosis in the presence of DNA damage.
Example sentence: p53 is a critical tumor suppressor protein.
Which type of mutation in the RAS gene leads to its constitutive activation?
Point mutation.
Example sentence: Point mutations in RAS can result in constant cell signaling.
What does “desmoplasia” refer to?
Formation of fibrous tissue in response to tumor growth.
Example sentence: Desmoplastic reactions can create a dense tumor stroma.
Which pathway of spread is typical for sarcomas?
Hematogenous spread.
Example sentence: Sarcomas can metastasize to distant sites via the bloodstream.
What is a common feature of malignant tumors regarding their margins?
Poorly defined or infiltrative margins.
Example sentence: Malignant tumors often invade surrounding tissues without clear borders.
What is a “tumor marker”?
A substance produced by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer.
Example sentence: PSA is a tumor marker for prostate cancer.
Which cancer has the highest mortality rate worldwide?
Lung cancer.
Example sentence: Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally.
What does “cachexia” refer to in cancer patients?
Loss of body weight and muscle mass.
Example sentence: Cachexia is a common complication of advanced cancer.
What is the primary role of apoptosis in cancer prevention?
To eliminate damaged or abnormal cells that might otherwise proliferate.
Example sentence: Apoptosis helps maintain tissue homeostasis and prevent cancer development.
What is the function of oncoproteins?
Promote cell growth and proliferation.
Example sentence: Oncoproteins can drive uncontrolled cell division in cancer.
Which type of cancer is most likely to spread via the lymphatic system?
Carcinomas.
Example sentence: Carcinomas often metastasize to regional lymph nodes.
What is the role of telomerase in cancer cells?
Prevents telomere shortening, allowing cells to divide indefinitely.
Example sentence: Telomerase activation is a common feature of cancer cells.
Which gene is commonly mutated in familial cases of retinoblastoma?
RB1 gene.
Example sentence: RB1 mutations increase the risk of retinoblastoma in families.
What type of mutation is found in the BCR-ABL fusion gene seen in chronic myeloid leukemia?
Translocation.
Example sentence: The BCR-ABL fusion gene results from a translocation event.
What is the main characteristic of tumor cells undergoing the Warburg effect?
Preferential use of glycolysis for energy production even in the presence of oxygen.
Example sentence: The Warburg effect is a metabolic adaptation in cancer cells.
What is the function of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes?
DNA repair.
Example sentence: Mutations in BRCA1/2 increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
Which of the following is a common environmental risk factor for cancer?
UV radiation exposure.
Example sentence: UV exposure is linked to skin cancer development.
CR-ABL fusion gene seen in chronic myeloid leukemia?
Translocation.
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What is the function of the RB gene?
Regulate the cell cycle and prevent uncontrolled cell growth.
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Which cellular process is commonly activated in cancer cells to enable their limitless replicative potential?
Telomerase activation.
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What is the main determinant of tumor metastasis?
Ability to invade surrounding tissues and enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
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What does ‘angiogenesis’ refer to in tumor growth?
Formation of new blood vessels to supply the tumor with nutrients and oxygen.
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What is the role of the WNT/β-catenin pathway in familial adenomatous polyposis?
Regulates cell proliferation and differentiation; mutations can lead to uncontrolled growth.
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Which viral infection is associated with the development of cervical cancer?
Human papillomavirus (HPV).
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What are the hallmarks of malignant tumors?
Invasiveness, metastasis, and rapid growth.
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What type of tissues and germ layers does a teratoma represent?
A teratoma is composed of multiple types of tissue (mesenchymal, epithelial, etc.) and represents more than one germ layer.
Example sentence: A teratoma was found to contain both hair and teeth.
Which organs are most frequently involved secondarily in hematogenous dissemination of metastatic tumors?
The liver and lung.
No additional information.
What is the most reliable feature that differentiates malignant tumors from benign tumors, next to invasiveness?
Metastasis.
No additional information.
Which malignant tumors rarely metastasize and may be exceptions to other malignant tumors?
Malignant glial cell tumors and basal cell carcinomas.
No additional information.
Which body cavity is most involved in metastatic spread of tumors?
The peritoneal cavity.
No additional information.
Does nodal enlargement in proximity to a cancer always indicate dissemination of the primary tumor?
No, nodal enlargement does not always mean dissemination of the primary tumor.
No additional information.
Which vessels are more commonly involved in hematogenous spread of tumors, particularly in renal cell carcinoma?
Veins are more commonly involved in hematogenous spread of tumors.
No additional information.
Which cancer is more common in females than lung cancer?
Breast cancer
What is the most common cancer in men?
Prostate cancer
Is colorectal cancer rare in both males and females?
No, colorectal cancer is not very rare in both sexes.
What is one of the top 3 causes of cancer deaths in males?
Prostate cancer
Which of the following is NOT a pre-malignant lesion: Barrett’s oesophagus, Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), Vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia, or Fibrosarcoma?
Fibrosarcoma
What is a benign epithelial neoplasm?
Papilloma
What is a benign epithelial cell neoplasm derived from one or more of the three germ layers called?
Teratoma
What is a benign finger-like epithelial neoplasm derived from non-glandular surfaces called?
Papilloma
What is considered the most important hallmark of malignancy?
Cellular anaplasia and evidence of metastasis
How is a neoplasm best defined?
A new growth of tissue where the growth rate exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal tissue; it serves no useful function and persists excessively after the stimuli have ceased.
What is the most common method employed to diagnose neoplasia in Ghana?
Biopsy technique
What is a benign neoplasm derived from glandular epithelial cells called?
Adenoma
Which is more important in cancer management: grading or staging?
Staging
