tumour pathology 2

Question 1

causes of cancer

Answer 1

• loss of tumour suppressor genes such as retinoblastoma

- gain of function of oncogenes eg. B-raf

Question 2

properties of cancer cells

Answer 2

-altered cellular function
-abnormal morphology
-cells capable of independent growth
-tumour biomarkers
(however no single feature is unique to cancer cells)

Question 3

changes in cellular function in cancers

Answer 3

• loss of cell-to-cell adhesion
• altered cell-to-matrix adhesion
• production of tumour related proteins.

Question 4

tumour biomarkers

Answer 4

proteins produced by tumour cells

Question 5

types of tumour biomarker

Answer 5

• onco-fetal proteins
• oncogenes
• growth factor and receptors
• immune checkpoint inhibitors

Question 6

alpha-fetoprotein

Answer 6

tumour biomrker for teratoma of testis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Question 7

carcino-embryonic antigen

Answer 7

tumour biomarker used to monitor colorectal cancer

Question 8

oestrogen

Answer 8

tumour biomarker used to monitor breast cancer

Question 9

prostate specific antigen

Answer 9

used to monitor prostate cancer.

Question 10

morphology of cancer cells

Answer 10

marked variation in size and shape, and mitoses present and often abnormal.

Question 11

angiogenesis

Answer 11

the production of new blood vessels

Question 12

why tumours carry out andgiogenesis

Answer 12

allows tumours to continue growing over a certain size by providing increased nutrients. Also provides a route for tumour cells to enter circulation.

Question 13

metastatic tomour

Answer 13

secondary tumour

Question 14

Steps prior to spreading of tumour

Answer 14

• increased matrix degradation by proteolytic enzymes.

- altered cell-to-cell adhesion and cell-to matrix adhesion.

Question 15

modes of spread of cancer

Answer 15

• local spread
• lymphatic spread
• blood spread
• trans-coelomic spread

Question 16

trans-coelomic spread

Answer 16

rapid form of local spread acrossa body cavity

Question 17

common sites of metastases

Answer 17

liver 
lung
brain
bone (axial skeleton)
adrenal gland
omentum (sheet of peritoneum)