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.