Tumours Flashcards
What is a neoplasm
An autonomous, abnormal, growth of cells
A lesion resulting from autonomous abnormal growth of cells which persists after the initial stimulus is removed
What is a tumour?
An abnormal swelling
What 4 things cause a tumour
Neoplasm
Inflammation
Hypertrophy
Hyperplasia
Are neoplasms always pathological?
Yes
What two structures make up neoplasms?
Neoplastic cells
Stroma
What is ‘stroma’?
‘mattress’
Connective tissue framework
Provides mechanical support and nutrition
What are neoplastic cells?
They are derived from nucleated cells
How big can tumours grow without a blood supply?
2mm
How does a tumour grow bigger than 2mm?
It needs to generate a blood supply for itself, so it needs to stimulate angiogenesis
Why do malignant tumours become necrotic in the centre?
Because they grow faster than new vessels can be produced
What 3 ways can you classify tumours behaviourally?
Benign
Borderline
Malignant
Characteristics of a benign tumour?
Localised
Don’t metastasise
Slow growth rate
Low mitotic activity
Close resemblance to normal tissue
Encapsulated from normal tissue
Nuclear shape is normal
Necrosis & ulceration is rare
What’s an example of a borderline tumour?
Midway between borderline and malignant
Ovarian tumours that might turn into cancer
Characteristics of malignant tumours?
Invasive
They metastasise
Variable resemblance to normal tissue
Poorly defined irregular border
Hyperchromatic nuclei
(excess chromatin)
Pleomorphic nuclei
(different sized nuclei)
Increased mitotic activity
Necrosis & ulceration
Encroach and destroy surrounding tissue
What does exophytic mean?
Growth extends beyond the surface from which it originates
What does endophytic mean?
Growth is inward
What type of tumour does the suffix -oma indicate?
A benign tumour
What type of tumour is a papilloma?
A benign tumour of non-glandular, non-secretory epithelium
What type of tumour is an adenoma?
A tumour of glandular or secretory epithelium
How would you name a benign tumour of connective tissue origin?
Prefix = cell origin
Suffix = -oma
Eg. Lipoma, Osteoma
What does the suffix -carcinoma mean?
A malignant tumour of epithelial cells
How would you name a malignant tumour of epithelial tissue?
Prefix = cell origin
Suffix = -carcinoma
What is meant by ‘anaplasia’?
When the cell origin of a malignant tumour is unknown
What type of tumour is an adenocarcinoma?
A malignant tumour of glandular epithelium
