Tumour Pathology 2 Flashcards
What are the 4 noticeable properties of cancer cells?
Altered genetics
Altered cellular function
Abnormal morphology
Cells capable of independent growth
What 3 things can happen to cellular function in tumour cells?
Loss of cell-to-cell adhesion
Altered cell-to-matrix adhesion
Production of tumour related proteins
What is the name for tumour related proteins?
Tumour biomarkers
Name the 3 types of tumour biomarkers.
Onco-fetal proteins
Oncogenes
Growth factors/receptors
What are the 4 things tumour biomarkers can be used to check?
Screening
Diagnosis
Prognostic
Predictive
What is the use of alpha-fetoprotein?
Acts like albumin and an onco-fetal biomarker for teratoma of testis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
What is the use of carcinoembryonic antigen?
Onco-fetal and detect recurrent disease (colorectal cancer)
What is the use of oestrogen receptors?
Used as a predictive biomarker.
What is the use of prostate specific antigen?
Helps with diagnosis and monitoring of prostate cancer.
What biomarker can be used for prediction in colorectal cancer?
Kras
What biomarker can be used for prediction in lung cancer?
EGFR
What biomarker can be used for prediction in breast/gastric cancer?
Her2
What biomarker can be used for prediction in melanoma?
Braf
What is pleomorphism?
Marked variation in shape and size.
What is the appearance of cancer cells?
Mitoses present and often abnormal.
Define tumour growth.
A balance between angiogenesis and apoptosis.
What is the process of tumour angiogenesis?
New blood vessels are formed which are required for tumour growth. Allows tumour to be released into circulation.
What would more blood vessels in a tumour cause for prognosis?
Poorer prognosis.
Define apoptosis.
Programmed cell death.
What does apoptosis regulate in tumours?
Growth
What is apoptosis involved in?
Chemo/radiotherapy
What happens during metastasis?
Matrix degradation by enzymes increases and cell-to-cell adhesion is altered.
What are the 4 modes of spread of cancer?
Local
Lymphatic
Blood
Transcoelomic
What is the 5 step process of tumour metastasis via lymphatics?
Adherence to lymph vessels Invasion from lymphatics Invasion into lymph node Formation of metastasis Clinical evidence (tumour must be greater than 5mm)
What is the 5 step process of tumour metastasis via blood?
Adherence to blood vessels Invasion from blood vessels Invasion into tissue Formation of metastasis Clinical evidence
What is transcoelomic spread?
Spread of tumour cells across the body cavities.
Lungs covered by ______ and abdomen covered by ______.
Pleural, periotoneal
What are the 5 most common sites of metastasis?
Liver Lung Brain Axial skeleton Adrenal gland
What are the 4 uncommon sites of metastasis?
Spleen
Kidney
Skeletal muscle
Heart
What three cancers commonly metastasise?
Breast
Prostate
Colorectal
