Pathophysiology of Cancer Flashcards
Cell growth is uncoordinated and uncontrolled due to lack of normal controls over cell growth and division
cancer
These cells are not growing unchecked. They still resemble the cells of the tissue from which they arose. The body has signaled the need for these cells
hyperplasia and hypertrophy
Process of cell division. Development of new to replace the old or just to make more as needed
proliferation
Cells become more specialized with each mitotic division
differentiation
Programmed cell death. Necessary to maintain cellular homeostasis
apoptosis
Phase of cell cycle where cellular contents excluding the chromosomes are duplicated
G1
Phase of the cell cycle where each of the 46 chromosomes is duplicated by the cell
S
Phase of the cell cycle where the cell “double checks” the duplicated chromosomes and makes repairs
G2
Proteins that control the entry and progression of cells through the cell cycle. Bind to CDKs to activate them
cyclins
Important in regulating cell cycle checkpoints during which mistakes in DNA replication are repaired
CKD inhibitors
basis for development of new cancer treatment drugs
Manipulation of cyclins, CDKs and CKIs
responsible for regenerating a specific line of cells
Progenitor/Parent cells
less differentiated then progenitor cells and they can produce multiple types of progenitor cells
stem cells
Noncancerous tumors. Well differentiated cells that resemble their tissue of origin
benign neoplasms
Grow rapidly, invade and destroy nearby tissue. Poorly differentiated cells. More cells seen in mitosis due to rapid proliferation
malignant neoplasms
Benign, contains finger like projections and grow on any surface
papilloma (wart)
Loss of cell differentiation in cancerous tissue
anaplasia
Cells and the nuclei are variable in size and shape
pleomorphic
Explain the grading scale of the degree of anaplasia
Grading scale I-IV: Grade I well differentiated and Grade IV poorly differentiated with marked anaplasia
Differences between the rate of growth for benign and malignant tumors
benign-progressive and slow. malignant- variable; the more undifferentiated the cells, the more rapid the rate of growth
Type of tumor that is usually encapsulated
benign
Type of tumor that Gains access to blood and lymph channels to metastasize to other areas of the body
malignant
category of malignant neoplasm that start out in a specific location. Cells may detach from the tumor mass and invade surrounding tissue. Enter blood or lymph system and spread to distant sites
solid tumors
catagory of malignant neoplasms that are Cells normally found in the blood and lymph. Disease is widespread at the onset
hematologic cancers
Localized. The cells have not crossed the basement membrane. Usually can be removed surgically or locally treated with low recurrence rates
Carcinoma in situ
A hallmark of cancer. High frequency of mutations in cancer cells may be due to a mutation phenotype, chromosomes are lost or gained, and intrachromosomal instability
genetic instability
T/F Cancer cells can proliferate without signaling from growth factors and some cancers produce their own growth factors
true
Term used to describe how cells often stop growing when they come in contact with each other. Cancer cells often ignore this rule
Cell density-dependent inhibition
What is different about the cell cohesiveness and adhesion of cancer cells compared to normal cells?
Cancer cells don’t stick together as tightly as normal cells. Permits shedding of the tumor’s surface cells
What is different about the lifespan of cancer cells compared to normal cells?
Cancer cells have an unlimited life span in contrast to normal cells and can divide an infinite amount of times
clinically useful as markers to indicate the presence, recurrence or progressive growth of cancer
tumor antigens
How does cancer spread by direct invasion and extension?
Seeding of cancer cells into body cavities. Spread through the blood or lymph pathways
Occurs when a tumor sheds cells into body cavities. Can be a complication of surgical excision
Seeding
initial lymph node into which the primary tumor drains
sentinel node
The ratio of dividing cells to resting cells
growth fraction
Length of time it takes for the total mass of cells in a tumor to double. May decrease over time if blood supply becomes limited
doubling time
Has doubled 30 times. Contains more than 1 billion cells. Usually undetectable at smaller sizes
1 cm tumor mass
Gene overactivity. Normal genes that become cancer causing genes if mutated. Newly created genes from mutations
Protooncogenes
Gene underactivity creates an environment in which cancer is promoted. Protective against disruption of the DNA
Tumor suppressor genes
Mutations in this gene have been associated with lung, breast, and colon cancer
TP53
Results in the cell being vulnerable to cancer. Carcinogenic agents then produce irreversible changes in the genome of a previously normal cell
initiation
Growth is triggered by growth factors and chemicals. Can be reversible if the promoter substance is removed
promotion
When tumor cells acquire malignant phenotypic changes to promote invasion, metastasis and growth
carcinogenesis
hypothesis suggests the immune system plays a key role in resistance against the development of tumors
immune surveillance hypothesis
among the most potent of the procarcinogens. Produced from animal fat in the process of charcoal-broiling meats, Present in smoked meats and fish, and present in cigarette smoke – produced in the combustion of tobacco
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Can alter retinoid metabolism which is a needed antioxidant. Enhances the carcinogenic effects of cigarette smoke
alcohol
Name the four DNA viruses associated with human cancers
HPV, EBV (Epstein-Barr virus), HBV (Hepatitis B virus), HHV-8 (Human herpesvirus-8)
What happens when you’re infected with EBV with a normal or abnoraml immune system?
Normal immune function = infectious mononucleosis. Abnormal immune function or concurrent infection = sustained B-lymphocyte proliferation
Only known retrovirus to cause cancer in humans. Endemic in parts of Japan. Transmission of infected T cells through sexual intercourse, blood or breast milk
Human T-cell leukemia virus-1 (HTLV-1)
