Neoplasia

Question 1

Benign tumour

Answer 1

Noncancerous

1. well differentiated
2. uniformity of cells (homogenous)
3. slow growth rate
4. non-invasive, remains localised (usually with capsule)
5. never metastasizes

Question 2

Malignant tumour

Answer 2

Cancerous

1. well differentiated or undifferentiated (anaplasia)
2. cells vary in size and shape (heterogenous)
3. relatively rapid growth
4. invade surrounding tissue (no capsule)
5. capable of metastasis

Question 3

Dysplasia

Answer 3

• Not a true cellular adaptation
• disordered growth or differentiation of cells
  + mainly in epithelial tissue
• may develop into pre-invasive neoplasm = carcinoma in
  situ (CIS)
  + e.g. cervical cancer

Question 4

Causes of cancer (risk factors)

Answer 4

• carcinogens causing gene mutations include
  + asbestos, PVC, tobacco smoke
  + UV light, alcohol, smoking, obesity
  + microbes
  + some chronic inflammatory condition
  ~ e.g. inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Question 5

Cancer

Answer 5

• involves mutations to genes
• accumulation of multiple mutations
• cells that are dividing have the greatest chance of
  developing a mutation
  + e.g. epithelial tissues
• most cancers increase in incidence with age