Neoplasia Flashcards
A disease caused by normal cells changing so that they grow in an uncontrolled way, invade surrounding tissue, and travel to other parts of the body.
Cancer
A swelling; commonly a synonym for ‘neoplasm’
Tumour
A new growth of abnormal cells
Neoplasia
Mitotic figures, or number of dividing cells, in a benign neoplasm is
rare, or low
Histological resemblance to normal tissue in malignant cells is
often poor (poorly differentiated)
The border of a malignant neoplasm is described as
Poorly defined and irregular
The border of a benign neoplasm is described as
well-defined or encapsulated
True or false: Necrosis is common in malignant neoplasms
True
Classification based on the tissue type or cell of origin is known as
histogenetic classification
Malignant neoplasms of epithelial cells are known as
Carcinomas
Malignant neoplasms of connective tissue or mesenchymal tissue are known as
Sarcomas
Malignancies of the haematopoietic system are known as
Leukemias
Malignancies of the lymphatic system are known as
Lymphomas
A benign tumour of non-glandular or non-secretory epithelium is known as a
Papilloma
A benign tumour of glandular or secretory epithelium is known as an
Adenoma
List the three key features assessed in the tumour grading system
- Mitotic activity
- Cellular & nuclear features (size & shape)
- Degree of resemblance to normal tissue (ie differentiation)
A low grade tumour corresponds with what type of cell/tissue differentiation?
Cells are well differentiated (ie closely resemble normal tissue)
Name two qualities of a medium grade tumour
- Cells have some loss of differentiation
- Cells exhibit some abnormalities (abnormal shape, nuclei)
- Growing more rapidly than normal cells
A high grade tumour corresponds with what type of cell/tissue differentiation?
Cells/tissue is poorly differentiated
This is the system commonly used that describes the anatomical extent of spread of the cancer
Tumour staging
What does tumour staging of “N2” signify?
Many lymph nodes involved
What does tumour staging of “M2” signify?
Metastases to multiple organs
What is the numerical range of tumour sizes in the TNM tumour staging system?
1 - 4. Number varies depending on tissue type, rather than by size alone.
According to Duke’s classification system for colorectal cancer stages, a tumour confined to the submucosa is considered grade:
A
According to Duke’s classification system for colorectal cancer stages, a tumour that has spread through the muscularis propria layer, but does not yet involve the lymph nodes is considered grade:
B
According to Duke’s classification system for colorectal cancer stages, a tumour that has spread to at least one lymph node is considered grade:
C
According to Duke’s classification system for colorectal cancer stages, a tumour that has spread to another part of the body is considered grade:
D
What types of changes to DNA can cause cancer (3)
Mutations, deletions, translocations
Changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression
Epigenetics
Promoter methylation is an example of
an epigenetic change
A mutation in this type of gene results in a gain of function, where the protein product is produced in higher quantities
Oncogene
Oncogenes need a mutation in how many alleles in order to result in abnormal cell growth?
One
A mutation in this type of gene causes a loss of function
Tumour suppressor gene
Tumour suppressor genes need a mutation in how many alleles to result in abnormal cell growth?
Generally two (recessive), though haploinsufficiency can occur in some cases of one mutated allele
Abnormal cell growth resulting from one mutated allele in a tumour suppressor gene is known as
Haploinsufficiency
Name two examples of oncogenes
K-Ras (or H-Ras, N-Ras), or Myc
K-Ras encodes for a protein expressed in the Ras/MAP __________ pathway.
kinase
What type of mutation is prevalent in lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers?
K-Ras (oncogene) mutation
Physiologic regulators of cell proliferation and differentiation are known as
Proto-oncogenes
These types of genes are characterised by the ability to promote cell growth in the absence of normal mitogenic signals
Oncogenes
This type of oncogene encodes for a transcription factor protein, and promotes proliferation by controlling the expression of target genes, including N-Ras and p53. This leads to processes like immortalisation, proliferation, and apoptosis.
Myc
List some examples of tumour suppressor genes
- BRCA 1 & BRCA 2
- TP53, which codes for p53
- Rb1
Rb1 is associated with what type of cancer?
Retinoblastoma
Name the six hallmark features of cancer: (remember I’m PEARR)
- Proliferative signalling
- Evading growth suppressors
- Invasion & metastases
- Replicative immortality
- Angiogenesis
- Resisting cell death
Cancer cells don’t rely on external signals in order to divide. They have acquired a number of mutations that short circuit growth factor pathways, leading to unregulated growth. This describes which hallmark feature of cancer?
- Sustaining proliferative signalling