Week 4 (ch. 20) Flashcards
Describe neoplasm cell growth
no longer responds to normal body controls
- continue to reproduce even though no need for them
- deprives surrounding cells of nutrients
- expanding mass create pressure on surrounding structures
neoplasms consist of what kind of cells
atypical or immature
characteristics of neoplasms depend on what
cell type
tumors are names according to what
system its in
benign tumor names vs malignant tumor names
benign: have tissue name plus the suffix -oma (adenoma)
malignant tumors (cancers) have the tissue name plus the suffix -carcinoma (adenocarcinoma)
characteristics of benign tumors
differentiated cells
reproduce higher than normal rate
encapsulated (expand but does not spread)
freely moveable on palpation
damage of benign tumors is from what
compression of adjacent structures
characteristics of malignant tumors
Undifferentiated cells, nonfunctional cells
Reproduce rapidly
Infiltrate or spread into surrounding tissues
Metastasize
Maligant tumors are composed of what cells
dysplastic cells
- absent of normal cell function
- surface antigens altered
malignant tumors compress nearby blood vessels, which causes what
necrosis and inflammation, increase pressure on surrounding structures
Do maligant cells adhere to each other
no - break lose from the mass, infiltrating into surrounding tissue
malignant tumors secrete enzymes, which do what
add to destruction and facilitate spread
Malignant tumors cause inflammation and loss of normal cell, which does what
progressively reduce the organ function
What happens as a malignant tumor enlarged
inner cells are frequently deprived of blood and nutrients (they die)
which leads to more inflammation
Some malignant tumors secrete growth factors, which does what
stimulates angiogenesis (development of new capillaries in the tumor) - promotes tumor development
Malignant tumors “trap” nutrients depriving normal cells, which does what
prevents tissue regeneration
Malignant tumors “in situ” =
preinvasive stage
- months or years
- offers early diagnosis for cervical or oral cancers
Warning signs of cancer
- bleeding / discharge at site
- change in BM or Bladder habits
- change in wart or mole
- sore that does not heal
- weight loss
- anemia / low hemoglobin
- fatigue
- cough or horseness without reason
- lump, painless, in breast, testes or anywhere in body
Local effects of cancer: pain
May be absent until well advanced
Severity depends on the type and location
Local effects of cancer: obstruction
Occurs when tumor compresses a duct or passageway
blood supply or lymphatic flow may be restricted (ulceration, edema)
digestive tract
airflow in bronci
Local effects of cancer: tissue necrosis and ulceration
may lead to bleeding or infectoin around the tumor
– increased in areas of normal flora become opportunistic
Systemic effects of cancer: weight loss and cachexia
severe tissue waisting
- increased demands placed on body
Systemic effects of cancer: anemia
Common problem
- due to anorexia, chronic bleeding, bone marrow depression
- causes poor tissue regeneration
Systemic effects of cancer: fatigue
Inflammatory changes psychological factors (life threatening illness, depression)
Systemic effects of cancer: infections
host resistance declines
Systemic effects of cancer: bleeding
Tumor cells may erode blood vessels or cause tissue ulceration
bone marrow depression –> poor clotting
common site – GI tract –> mucosa slow to regenerate
Systemic effects of cancer: paraneoplastic syndromes
Certain tumor types
– tumor cells release substances that affect neurological function and may have hormonal effects
Cancer diagnostic tests: routine screening
Educate patients
- essential for early detection
- following treatment to detect any further tumors
Cancer diagnostic tests: self examination
Educate patients
- early detection, if done consistently
- breast, testicular, skin