Neoplasia Lecture Review Flashcards
Any abnormal growth of tissue in which multiplication of cells is uncontrolled, more rapid than normal, and progressive
neoplasia
True or False. A neoplasm is synonymous with a tumor
True
True or False. A neoplasm is synonymous with “cancer”
False.
(Remember neoplasia may be benign as well.)
Neoplasia that is slow growing, usually harmless, non-aggressive, non-invasive
benign
Neoplasia that has the ability to spread and metastasize to remote sites in the body
malignant
the multifactoral process by which normal cells are transformed into tumor cells (the process of tumor formation)
Carcinogenesis
physical agents that cause carcinogenesis
Ex: virus, chemical, UV
Carcinogens
normal body tissue that acts a framework and grows blood vessels which nourish the tumor
the stroma
Most tumor cells are ______________, resulting from the progeny of a single cell line
monoclonal
Tumors have a loss of _____________________________________, meaning tumor cells just continue to divide, no matter how crowded the conditions become!
contact inhibition
Neoplastic cells appear differently than normal cells microscopically. Describe how they appear
monoclonal
multiple nucleoli
small cytoplasm
multiple mitotic figures
the process by which cancer cells spread from a primary tumor to secondary locations, such as lung, lymph nodes or visceral sites
metastasis
True or False. Benign tumors are incapable of causing disease.
False.
Remember, disease is any deviation from normal. Benign tumors CAN impede normal function of tissue through their physical presence.
Tumors are composed of two types of tissue:
- parenchyma (the functional tissues of the organ)
- stroma (supporting structures of lymph, blood vessels, connective tissue)
tumors that arise from epithelial tissue
carcinoma
tumors that arise from mesenchymal tissue
sarcoma
types of mesenchymal tissue found in the body
Cartilage
Connective tissue
Bone
types of epithelial tissue found in the body
Skin
Mucous membranes
Glandular structures/organs (liver, kidney)
True or False. “-oma” typically refers to a benign tumor
True.
Exceptions-lymphoma, insulinoma, melanoma
True or False. “-sarcoma” and “-carcinoma” refer to malignant tumors
True
True or False. Malignancy cannot be determined by the gross appearance
True
Pathologists use features of the neoplastic cells to further classify a tumor. A “low grade” tumor will have the following characteristics:
Well-differentiated (normal cellular architecture)
Few mitotic figures
Minimal invasion of surrounding normal tissue
Pathologists use features of the neoplastic cells to further classify a tumor. A “high grade” tumor will have the following characteristics:
Undifferentiated (abnormal cellular architecture)
Numerous mitotic figures (indicate rapid division)
Aggressive invasion of surrounding normal tissue
Used to provide information regarding the prognosis of the disease and the success of treatment
TNM Classification System
TNM Classification System stands for
T: the extent of the primary tumor
N: the involvement of the regional lymph nodes
M: the extent of metastatic involvement
Syndrome characterized by muscle wasting and weight loss; Caused by physical presence of the tumor and/or by the secondary problems of nausea, vomiting, anorexia that may accompany the cancer (or its treatment)
Cancer cachexia
Caused by hormones or other substances synthesized by the tumor which circulate and affect multiple organ systems or tissues
Paraneoplastic Syndrome
the most conspicuous feature of cancer
Unregulated Cellular proliferation (growth) ; loss of contact inhibition
What is the basic staging process for a tumor
FNA is the first diagnostic step. If cytology indicates, the following will be recommended:
Biopsy
Lab work
Thoracic and Abdominal radiographs
abdominal ultrasound
The treatment plan for a pet with cancer may include
Surgery
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
(one modality or multiple modalities may be selected, based on the individual case)
Treatment of choice for localized neoplasia
surgery
OR
radiation (only if location allows)
cancer treatment that uses ionizing radiation; Causes cell death by destroying DNA
radiation therapy
side effects of radiation therapy
- Acute phase: develop during the course of RT, usually after several dosages
Damage to cells within the treatment area (skin, oral mucosal ulceration) - Late phase: develop months to years after RT
Permanent changes (necrosis, fibrosis of normal tissues)
The treatment of cancer with chemical agents (PO, IM, IV); Supplies antitumor therapy to the whole body:
chemotherapy
cancer treatment most likely to recommended in systemic disease/metastatic disease
chemotherapy
very common toxicity associated with chemotherapy treatment
bone marrow suppression (immunosuppression)
toxicities associated with chemotherapy treatment
immunosuppression
GI toxicity
hypersensitivity
local tissue necrosis
