Neoplasms Flashcards
what is the process of producing new cells?
proliferation
what happens if proliferation outpaces apoptosis?
neoplasm/hyperplasia
what is the process by which cells specialize as they mature?
differentiation
what are the three main cell types?
stem - can proliferate indefinitely
progenitor - somewhat differentiated but still proliferating
differentiated - rarely proliferate
what is another word for neoplasm, and how does it occur?
tumor
when cells’ proliferation outpaces apoptosis it can result in a mass of tissue
normal cells proliferate in response to a signal and cell density limitations, but tumors are (______) and don’t give a darn
autonomous
we don’t really hear of cancer in (_____) and (__________) because these cells basically can’t (____)
neurons
skeletal/cardiac muscle
proliferate
benign vs malignant tumor: which has more differentiated cells? which one is fast-dividing? enclosed in a fibrous capsule? non invasive vs. disorganized and invades other tissues
benign
malignant
benign
benign, malignant
what is metastasis?
when the malignant tumor cells spread via blood and lymph, attaching to other tissue and creating secondary tumors
can both benign and malignant tumors be fatal?
yes
what’s the number 1 cancer killer in the US
lung cancer
what is cancer?
a disorder involving a malignant neoplasm with altered cell differentiation and proliferation
what is the most common location for cancer?
skin
List the cancer red flags
unexplained weight loss or weight gain unexplained bleeding unexplained fatigue unexplained pain that hurts even at times of rest change in mole on skin any change in organ function
what is it called when there are signs and symptoms in locations that are distant to, and as a result of the tumor?
paraneoplastic syndrome
