Tumor Immunology Flashcards
the study of the relationship between the immune system and cancer cells
Tumor immunology
• understood with a background on the origin of cancer cells and their differences from normal cells
Tumor immunology
• Cell growth and division are carefully regulated processes designed to produce new cells
• inhibit division when enough cells are present, and limit cell lifespan through apoptosis.
NORMAL CELL GROWTH
• Unchecked cell growth and division can lead to the development of an abnormal cell mass¥¥¥ called a **tumor or neoplasm.*
• Tumors can be classified as benign or malignant, with distinct characteristics and implications for health.
TUMOR FORMATION
CLASSIFICATION OF TUMOR
Benign
Malignant
slowly growing, well-differentiated cells, similar to their tissue of origin.
Benign tumor
surrounded by a capsule, preventing circulation to other body parts.
Benign tumor
• disorganized masses, rarely encapsulated, allowing invasion of nearby organs.
Malignant
exhibit metastasis, spreading through blood to distant sites.
Malignant
Vary in differentiation, with
undifferentiated tumors
growing more aggressively.
Malignant
CLASSIFICATION OF MALIGNANT
TUMORS
Carcinomas
Leukemia
Sarcomas
• skin or epithelial linings of internal organs or glands
CARCINOMAS
• Types of carcinomas
• Adenocarnoma
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• Basal Cell Carcinoma
- Global Impact: Cancer causes over______ deaths annually.
- U.S. Impact: It is the______ leading cause of death, accounting for nearly 1 in 4 deaths
8 million
second
- Grow rapidly and are disorganized.
- Rarely encapsulated, allowing invasion into surrounding tissues.
- Can spread (metastasize) to other body parts.
- Malignant Tumors (cancers):
- Slow-growing.
- Well-organized and resemble normal tissues.
- Encapsulated by a fibrous cover, preventing them from spreading.
- Benign Tumors:
The term “cancer” comes from the____\ word ______, due to the invasive nature of malignant tumors.
Malignant tumors can vary in their resemblance to normal tissues, with those that are less differentiated (less like normal tissue) tending to be more aggressive.
Latin word for crab
Types of Cancers by Origin
Arise from the skin or linings of organs and glands.
Involve blood cells or lymphatic system.
Originate from bone or soft tissues (e.g., fat, muscles, nerves).
- Carcinomas (80% of cancers):
- Leukemias/Lymphomas (9%):
- Sarcomas (1%):
Physicians use staging systems to classify cancers and guide treatment. The most common system is the TNM System, developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC):
• T:
• N:
• M:
Size of the primary tumor (T0 to T4).
Degree of spread to nearby lymph nodes (N0 to N3)
Presence of metastasis (M0 if absent, M1 if present).
Environmental factors cause mutations in DNA:
Chemical Carcinogens: Asbestos, cigarette smoke.
Radiation: UV rays from the sun, x-rays.
Viruses: Some viruses are linked to specific cancers.
Initiation