Tumour Pathology Flashcards
What is a tumour?
An abnormal growing mass of tissue with uncoordinated growth that continues after the removal of any stimulus which may have caused the tumour. It is an irreversible change.
What are the two types of tumours
Benign
Malignant/Cancer
Features of Cancer
Major cause of death
Incidence of specific types increasing
Genetic and enviromental factors important
Multi step process of development and progression
Features of Benign Tumours
Non invasive growth
No metastases
Cells similar to normal
Function similar to normal tissue
Features of Malignant Tumours
Invasive growth
Not encapsulated
Loss of normal function
Cells abnormal
Properties of Cancer Cells
Loss of tumour suppressor genes Gain of function of oncogenes Altered cell function Cells capable of independent growth Tumour biomarkers
Clinical Utility of Tumour Biomarkers
Screening
Diagnostics
Prognostics
Predictive
Tumour growth is a balance between what?
Angiogenesis and Apoptosis
cell growth and cell death
Tumour angiogenesis mechanisms
New blood vessel formation by tumours
Required to sustain tumour growth
Provides route for release of tumour cells into circulation
More blood vessels in a tumour equals poorer prognosis
Modes of spread of cancer
Local
Lymphatic
Blood
Trans-coelomic
Common sites of metastasis
Liver Lung Brain Bone - axial skeleton Adrenal gland Omentum
Uncommon sites of metastasis
Spleen
Kidney
Skeletal muscle
Heart
Local effects of benign tumours
Pressure
Obstruction
Local effects of malignant tumours
Pressure Obstruction Tissue destruction Bleeding Pain Effects of treatment
Systemic effects of malignant tumours
Weight loss
Secretion of hormones
Effects of treatment
Paraneoplastic syndromes
What is a paraneoplastic syndrome
One which cannot be explained by local or metastatic effects of tumours
Define dysplasia
Pre malignant change, earliest change in the process of malignancy that can be visualised
Identified in epithelium
No invasion
Can progress to cancer
External factors in cell cycle control
Hormones
Growth factors
Cytokines
Stroma
What are the cell cycle checkpoints
System of cyclically active and inactive enzymes
G1, S, G2, M
What causes carcinogenesis
A mutation of genetic material that upsets the normal balance between proliferation and apoptosis
What are proto-oncogenes
Normal genes that promote normal cell growth and mitosis
What is an anti oncogene
Tumour suppressor gene
Inherited predisposition to cancer
Strong family history of uncommon site specific cancers
Autosomal dominant inheritance of a single mutant gene
What are oncogenes derived from
Proto oncogenses
