Pathology

Question 1

What is the difference between proliferation and differentiation in cell growth?

Answer 1

Proliferation: Cells multiply to allow tissues to grow.

Differentiation: Cells develop specialized functions and can no longer proliferate.

Question 2

What is apoptosis?

Answer 2

Apoptosis is programmed cell death, where cells that are no longer needed or functioning properly are eliminated.

Question 3

What are common growth disorders?

Mnemonic:
“Huge Hippos Make Noise”

Answer 3

Hypertrophy: Increase in organ size due to larger individual cells.

Hyperplasia: Increase in organ size due to more cells.

Metaplasia: Tissue changes from one type to another.

Neoplasia: Uncontrolled, abnormal growth (tumor).

Question 4

What are benign tumors?

Answer 4

Benign tumors grow slowly, resemble normal cells, and are usually surrounded by a fibrous capsule. They do not invade surrounding tissues or metastasize.

Question 5

What are malignant tumors?

Answer 5

Malignant tumors grow rapidly, invade surrounding tissues, and metastasize. Their cells differ significantly from normal cells.

Question 6

What is carcinogenesis?

Answer 6

Carcinogenesis is the process by which normal cells transform into cancer cells. It usually involves multiple gene mutations and is a multistep process.

Question 7

What are the stages of carcinogenesis?

mnemonic: “Invisible Paths Prompt Change.”

Answer 7

1. Initiation: Molecular changes allow cells to escape control.
2. Promotion: Abnormal cells divide and gain further mutations.
3. Progression: Abnormal cells obtain a growth advantage over normal cells, resulting in visible changes at microscopic level.
4. Clinical cancer: Abnormal cells grow into a tumor with a blood supply.

Question 8

What are some known carcinogens?

Answer 8

Carcinogens include ionizing radiation (e.g., UV light), chemicals (e.g., tobacco smoke), and viruses (e.g., HPV, Epstein-Barr).

Question 9

How are tumors staged and graded?

Answer 9

Stage: Describes the extent of tumor growth at diagnosis.

Grade: Assesses tumor aggressiveness and potential for growth.

Question 10

What are common imaging techniques used for cancer diagnosis?

Answer 10

X-ray: Finds large masses.

CT scan: High-contrast images for detecting cancer. Use x-rays to produce images in slices which can later be reproduced in 3D

MRI: Used for soft tissue without radiation exposure. Good for tendons, ligaments, spinal cord.

PET scan: Shows tumor location and physiologic functioning