Neoplasia 2 Flashcards
What are the hallmarks of cancer?
Self-sufficiency in growth signals, insensitivity to growth-inhibitory signals, altered cellular metabolism, evasion of apoptosis, limitless replicative potential, sustained angiogenesis, ability to invade and metastasize, and ability to evade the host immune response.
How do tumors become self-sufficient in growth signaling?
By proliferating without external stimuli, usually due to oncogene activation.
What is the significance of the Warburg effect in cancer?
It refers to the switch to aerobic glycolysis in tumor cells, enabling the synthesis of macromolecules and organelles needed for rapid cell growth.
How do tumor cells evade apoptosis?
Through mutations in genes that regulate cell death, such as p53, allowing resistance to programmed cell death.
What allows tumor cells to have limitless replicative potential?
Tumors have unrestricted proliferative capacity, avoiding cellular senescence and mitotic catastrophe.
What role does angiogenesis play in tumor growth?
Tumor cells induce angiogenesis to ensure a blood supply, bringing nutrients and oxygen while removing waste products.
What is the role of tumor suppressor genes in cancer?
They normally inhibit cell growth; mutations in these genes lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation.
What is metastasis?
The spread of cancer cells from the primary tumor to distant sites in the body.
What are the routes of metastasis?
Lymphatic spread, hematogenous spread, spread along body cavities, and trans-coelomic spread.
How does the tumor microenvironment contribute to cancer progression?
It provides signaling cues that facilitate tumor growth, invasion, and immune evasion.
What are oncogenes?
Genes that, when mutated, promote uncontrolled cell growth and survival.
What is the role of DNA repair genes in cancer?
Defects in DNA repair mechanisms lead to genomic instability, promoting cancer development.
Which cancers are associated with HPV infection?
Cervical cancer and some head and neck cancers.
How does chronic inflammation predispose to cancer?
Chronic inflammation leads to tissue damage and promotes mutations that can lead to cancer.
What are the common environmental carcinogens?
Tobacco smoke, UV radiation, asbestos, and certain chemicals.
What are the microscopic patterns seen in epithelial tumors?
Acini, sheets, columns, cords, and islands.
What is the significance of tumor angiogenesis?
It allows tumors to grow beyond a certain size by providing a blood supply.
How do growth factors contribute to cancer progression?
Growth factors like EGF, FGF, and VEGF promote tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis.
What is the difference between benign and malignant tumors in terms of growth?
Benign tumors grow slowly and are well-circumscribed, while malignant tumors grow rapidly and invade surrounding tissues.
What are the primary mechanisms of local tumor invasion?
Invasion involves the destruction of adjacent normal tissues through proteolytic enzymes and mechanical pressure.
How do carcinomas typically spread?
Carcinomas usually spread via lymphatic channels.
What is the role of VEGF in cancer?
VEGF stimulates the formation of new blood vessels, supporting tumor growth and metastasis.