Tumors (Neoplasm & Growth Disorders) Flashcards
Define neoplasm
“New growth”
An abnormal mass of cells produced by excessive growth of new tissue
What metabolic change signals neoplasia?
None. There is no single marker for neoplasia. It is usually a multi-generational and multi-event process.
Cellular changes over time result in increasingly deviant tissue
Define tumor
A swelling. Commonly used in reference to neoplasms.
What are 8 major characteristics of a benign tumor?
- do not invade tissue (they compress or displace nearby tissue)
- tend to have capsule or defined edges
- self limiting growth patterns
- grow slowly
- not likely to metastasize
- well differentiated (similar to parent tissue)
- excise is curative (cutting it out fixes the problem)
- no not endanger host
What are (5) characteristics or malignant tumors?
- likely to metastasize
- poorly differentiated (very different from parent tissue)
- cellular atypia
- abundant mitoses
- non-encapsulated with irregular margins
What is cellular atypia?
Pleomorhism (variations in size, shape, etc)
Enlarged nuclei
Excessive nuceloi
Atypical chromosomes
Why can malignant tumors result in necrosis and/or hemorrhage?
They can outgrow or choke off their blood supply, there by developing areas of infarction.
What is the difference between malignant and metastatic?
Malignant tumors are growing rapidly and are likely to metastasize
Metastasized tumors are tumors in more than one body area or system - a secondary tumor, that has broken off and spread from a primary tumor.
What are some examples of non-neoplastic alterations of cell growth?
Anatomic anomalies Unexpected calcification Hyperplasia Metaplasia Regeneration
What is tumor immortality?
A tumor that survives and reproduces as long as it’s host lives.
How can tumors be immortal?
Tumor cells have increased capacity for reproduction, and improved preservation of telomeres.
Define monoclonal origin
A tumor arising from a single cell
Tumors consist of what (2) types of tissue?
- transformed (neoplastic) tissue
- normal connective tissue that has been recruited to support the tumor (like blood vessels and connective tissue)
The suffix “oma” generally identifies what kind of tumor?
A benign tumor - such as a lipoma or epithelioma
What are the (2) types of malignant tumors, and what do they describe?
Carcinoma:
- Tumors of epithelial and glandular tissues
- Includes organ cancers
- More common in adults
- Irregular and infiltrating
Sarcoma
- Tumor of mesenchymal (supportive) tissue
- More common in young people (>15yrs)
- Large, irregular growths
- More likely to metastasize, hemorrhage, and have necrosis
What are (2) tumors containing more than one tissue type?
Teratoma
Mixed tumors
What is a teratoma?
A tumor containing multiple tissue types - usually from all three germinal layers (endo-, meso-, and etco-dermic)
Where are teratomas most commonly found?
Gonads - especially ovaries
What is the defining feature of a teratoma?
Mixed tissues inside, often including things like hair and teeth. Could be a “parasitic twin” or a dermoid cyst.
What distinguishes mixed tumors from teratomas?
Mixed tumors have multiple tissue types that were all derived from the SAME germinal layer —> originating cells are pluripotent, but not totipotent.
What/where is leukemia?
Malignant tumor of leukocytes, usually beginning in the marrow.
What/where is lymphoma?
Malignant tumor containing lymphocytes, macrophages, etc. originating in the lymph nodes.
What/where is multiple myeloma?
Malignant tumor of plasma cells resulting in production of abnormal antibodies. Affecting marrow, bone, and soft tissue.
What/where is melanoma?
Malignant tumor of melanocytes in the skin
