Oncology and Chemotherapy (Exam III) Andy's Cards Flashcards
What are tissue changes are seen in cancer cells? (2)
- Number of cells increases (hyperplasia).
- Organizational changes (dysplasia)
cells survive when they should die and form when they are not needed
What is the progression from normal cells to cancerous cells?
Characteristics of Cancer Cells (4)
- Less specialized
- Can ignore pre-programmed apoptosis signals
- Abnormally influence normal cells (ex. can make normal cells form blood vessels which feed a tumor - angiogenesis)
- Can evade the immune system
What are the three “drivers” that increase the proliferation of cancer cells?
-
Proto-oncogenes
Involved in normal cell growth and division
Become cancer-causing…allow cells to grow and survive -
Tumor suppressor genes
Alterations allow genes to divide uncontrollably -
DNA repair genes
Incorrect damage repair; cause other mutations
How many types of cancers are there? How are they typically named?
More than 100
- named for organs, tissues, type of cells originated
Where do basal cell cancers originate from?
Basal (base) layer of the epidermis
Where do squamous cell cancers originate from?
Epithelial cells, just beneath skin
Also lining:
- GI tract (stomach, intestines)
- Bladder
- lung
.
Where do adenocarcinoma’s originate from?
Mucous producing cells
- Gland tissue (breast, prostate)
Where do sarcoma’s originate from?
Bone and soft tissue
Where do leukemia’s originate from?
blood-forming tissue of Bone marrow
Where do lymphoma’s originate from?
Lymphocytes (T or B cells)
These tend to build up on lymph nodes and lymph vessels.
This list includes general risk factors for cancer:
review list
What are some problems in cancer screenings? (3)
- Can cause problems: ex: Colonoscopy ⇒ perforation
- Can have false-positives
- Can have false-negatives
Screenings are working if statistics show: (3)
- More early-stage cancers found
- Less late-stage cancers found
- Less deaths occur
What is absolute risk?
Absolute risk
- How many people get “x” in a certain period.
Ex. If 4 people out of a group of 100,000 get “x” then risk is 4 in 100,000
Explain relative risk, explain the results.
% of people in exposed group with dz divided by
% of people in unexposed group with dz
- RR>1: trait linked to increased risk of dz
- RR=1: trait not linked to dz
- RR<1: trait linked to decreased risk of dz
Give an example of a relative risk that is greater than 1.
Smoking
Smoking increases risk relative to the rest of the population.
Give an example of a relative risk that is less than 1.
Exercise
Exercise decreases risk relative to the rest of the population.
What 3 cancer screenings are typically standard now?
- Colonoscopy
- Mammograms
- Pap Smears
What are the factors measured in tumor staging?
- T: size/extent of primary tumor
- N: # of nearby lymph nodes which are (+)
- M: is there metastasis
The staging is done at time of diagnosis only. No later evaluation.
What would a tumor measurement of TX mean?
- TX: tumor cannot be measured.
What would a tumor measurement of T0 mean?
- T0: tumor cannot be found.
What would a tumor measurement of T1 - T4 mean?
- T1= least invasive
- T4 = most invasive
↑# = larger tumor
What does NX mean?
NX: cancer in nearby lymph nodes cannot be measured.
