Cancer Biology Practice Test
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Questions and Answers

What is a key characteristic of neoplastic cell growth?

  • Regulated cell division
  • Uncontrolled cell proliferation (correct)
  • Reversible cellular changes
  • Normal cell differentiation

    • Which term describes the process of abnormal tissue growth that forms a tumor?

  • Neoplasia (correct)
  • Hyperplasia
  • Atrophy
  • Metaplasia

    • How are benign tumors typically named?

  • By their level of differentiation with the prefix 'dys-'
  • By their tissue of origin with the suffix '-sarcoma'
  • By their tissue of origin with the suffix '-oma' (correct)
  • By their growth rate with the suffix '-blastoma'

    • Which suffix indicates a malignant tumor of epithelial origin?

    <p>-carcinoma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes malignant tumors from benign tumors?

    <p>Malignant tumors are invasive, poorly differentiated, and can metastasize.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does carcinoma in situ (CIS) imply about a tumor?

    <p>It is preinvasive and confined to the epithelium.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does telomerase contribute to cancer cell immortality?

    <p>By maintaining telomere length, allowing continued division</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which genetic alteration involves the duplication of a gene segment?

    <p>Gene amplification</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of gene regulates cell proliferation and can become oncogenic when mutated?

    <p>Proto-oncogenes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of tumor-suppressor genes in cancer prevention?

    <p>Negatively regulate cell proliferation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which tumor marker is associated with prostate cancer?

    <p>Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of mutation results in the creation of a fusion gene?

    <p>Chromosome translocation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do tumor markers assist in cancer management?

    <p>By diagnosing specific types of tumors and monitoring disease progression</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do point mutations contribute to cancer?

    <p>By altering the function of proteins involved in cell growth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of angiogenesis in cancer growth?

    <p>To supply nutrients and oxygen to the tumor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of a tumor's mitotic index?

    <p>It indicates the rate of tumor cell division</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'clonal proliferation' refer to?

    <p>Growth of cancer cells from a single mutated cell</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main characteristic of cancer cells in terms of their growth properties?

    <p>They grow uncontrollably and can invade surrounding tissues</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does gene amplification involve?

    <p>Duplication of gene segments</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the presence of oncomirs affect cancer development?

    <p>They stimulate cancer development and progression</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the inactivation of the Rb tumor suppressor protein affect cancer progression?

    <p>It regulates cell cycle progression and promotes uncontrolled cell division</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does ionizing radiation damage cancer cells?

    <p>By causing irreversible damage to DNA</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of leukemia?

    <p>It is a cancer of blood-forming cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of prophylactic surgery in cancer management?

    <p>To prevent cancer in high-risk individuals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does alcohol consumption contribute to cancer risk?

    <p>By causing DNA damage and increasing mutation rates</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a common example of a tumor marker for liver cancer?

    <p>Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'immortality' mean in the context of cancer cells?

    <p>Ability to continue dividing indefinitely</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of carcinoma in situ (CIS)?

    <p>It is a preinvasive epithelial tumor.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the p53 gene in cancer cells?

    <p>It regulates the cell cycle and promotes apoptosis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'oncogene' refer to?

    <p>A mutated gene that promotes cancer growth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the mutation of proto-oncogenes contribute to cancer development?

    <p>By promoting uncontrolled cell growth and division</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the mutation of the TP53 gene affect cancer cells?

    <p>It leads to uncontrolled cell growth by disabling the cell cycle checkpoint.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of targeted therapy on cancer cells?

    <p>It targets specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and survival.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main characteristic of a sarcoma?

    <p>It is a malignant tumor of connective tissue.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in cancer?

    <p>It promotes angiogenesis by stimulating blood vessel formation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'tumor burden' refer to?

    <p>The total number of cancer cells present in the body</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the PTEN tumor-suppressor gene in cancer?

    <p>It regulates cell growth and survival by controlling the PI3K/AKT pathway.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of neoadjuvant chemotherapy?

    <p>To shrink or eliminate the tumor before surgical or radiation treatment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which environmental factor is linked to an increased risk of cancer?

    <p>Alcohol consumption</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'anaplasia' refer to?

    <p>Loss of cell differentiation and organization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common outcome of chronic inflammation in relation to cancer?

    <p>Promotion of tumor development through increased cell proliferation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does loss of heterozygosity contribute to cancer development?

    <p>By removing one allele of a tumor-suppressor gene, reducing its function</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of immunotherapy in cancer treatment?

    <p>To stimulate the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary feature that allows malignant tumors to spread throughout the body?

    <p>Invasiveness and ability to metastasize</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of tumor is most likely to be classified as benign?

    <p>Fibroma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'anchorage-independence' indicate in the context of cancer cells?

    <p>Cells can grow without attachment to a substrate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does gene amplification contribute to cancer development?

    <p>It increases the number of copies of an oncogene</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is indicated by the presence of carcinoma in situ (CIS)?

    <p>The tumor is in a pre-invasive stage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of telomerase in cancer cell survival?

    <p>It maintains telomere length for continued division</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of a tumor's mitotic index?

    <p>It assesses the proportion of actively dividing cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which genetic alteration involves a change that can lead to cancer when a tumor suppressor gene is affected?

    <p>Point mutation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does alcohol consumption contribute to cancer risk?

    <p>By causing DNA damage and increasing mutation rates</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of adjuvant chemotherapy?

    <p>To eradicate any remaining cancer cells after surgery</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the angiogenesis factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) play in cancer?

    <p>It promotes the formation of new blood vessels to supply the tumor.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'metaplasia' refer to?

    <p>The replacement of one type of cell with another type</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the mutation of proto-oncogenes contribute to cancer development?

    <p>By promoting uncontrolled cell growth and division</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of leukemia?

    <p>It is a cancer of blood-forming cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'tumor burden' refer to?

    <p>The total number of cancer cells present in the body</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which common factor is linked to an increased risk of cancer?

    <p>Alcohol consumption</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of targeted therapy on cancer cells?

    <p>It targets specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and survival.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which genetic alteration involves the exchange of segments between chromosomes?

    <p>Chromosome translocation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does neoadjuvant chemotherapy aim to achieve?

    <p>Shrink or eliminate the tumor before surgery</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the genetic mutation of BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes affect cancer risk?

    <p>It increases the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do tumor markers play in cancer management?

    <p>Monitor treatment effectiveness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does gene silencing primarily affect cancer cells?

    <p>Decreases gene expression of tumor-suppressor genes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic feature of 'anaplasia' in cancer cells?

    <p>Loss of cell differentiation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'metastasis' describe?

    <p>Spread of cancer cells to distant organs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'pleomorphic' indicate regarding cancer cells?

    <p>Varied shapes and sizes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does chronic inflammation relate to cancer development?

    <p>Promotes tumor development through increased proliferation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of a common symptom of paraneoplastic syndrome?

    <p>Fatigue and weight loss</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the TP53 gene mutation affect cancer cells?

    <p>Leads to uncontrolled cell growth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary advantage of combination chemotherapy?

    <p>Targets different tumor growth mechanisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'immortal' imply about cancer cells?

    <p>Ability to divide indefinitely</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the degradation of the extracellular matrix facilitate cancer invasion?

    <p>Allows cancer cells to move through tissues</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of gene does the term 'oncogene' refer to?

    <p>Mutated gene promoting cancer growth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does chronic inflammation have on cancer development?

    <p>Stimulates a wound-healing response and increases cell proliferation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do tumor markers assist in cancer management?

    <p>By diagnosing specific types of tumors and monitoring disease progression</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of angiogenesis in cancer growth?

    <p>To supply nutrients and oxygen to the tumor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary feature of malignant tumors compared to benign tumors?

    <p>Malignant tumors are poorly differentiated and invasive</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'transformation' refer to in cancer biology?

    <p>The process by which normal cells become cancerous</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the presence of oncomirs affect cancer development?

    <p>They stimulate cancer development and progression</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of genetic alteration leads to loss of heterozygosity?

    <p>Loss of one allele of a tumor-suppressor gene</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does autocrine stimulation promote tumor growth?

    <p>By enabling cancer cells to produce their own growth factors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of chronic inflammation on the tumor environment?

    <p>It creates a microenvironment conducive to tumor growth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'pleomorphic' mean in the context of cancer cells?

    <p>Varying shapes and sizes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the inactivation of the Rb tumor suppressor protein affect cancer progression?

    <p>It regulates cell cycle progression and promotes uncontrolled cell division</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do point mutations contribute to cancer?

    <p>By altering the function of proteins involved in cell growth</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the TNM staging system in cancer?

    <p>To describe the extent of tumor spread</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the tumor’s ability to evade apoptosis contribute to its growth?

    <p>It allows cancer cells to survive longer and accumulate more mutations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic is most associated with the ability of cancer cells to grow indefinitely?

    <p>Elevated telomerase activity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process is primarily responsible for the uncontrolled division of tumor cells?

    <p>Inactivation of tumor-suppressor genes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feature differentiates malignant tumors from benign tumors?

    <p>Malignant tumors invade surrounding tissues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement correctly describes the nature of neoplasia?

    <p>It includes tissues that exhibit uncontrolled growth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is primarily indicated by a tumor classified as carcinoma in situ (CIS)?

    <p>It is confined to a defined tissue border.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which genetic alteration has a direct connection to enhanced tumor growth due to excessive proliferation?

    <p>Gene amplification causing increased expression.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of cancer cell biology, what is the significance of anchorage-independent growth?

    <p>It shows the ability to grow without attachment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term is used to describe the genetic alterations that allow tumor cells to evade apoptosis?

    <p>Tumor suppressor downregulation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the mechanism by which the immune system reacts in a paraneoplastic syndrome?

    <p>By causing symptoms unrelated to the tumor's direct effects</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which describes the primary purpose of targeted therapy in cancer treatment?

    <p>It targets specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and survival.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way does the mutation of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes influence cancer risk?

    <p>It increases the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which best describes the process of metaplasia?

    <p>The replacement of one type of cell with another type</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does alcohol consumption influence cellular changes related to cancer?

    <p>By causing DNA damage and increasing mutation rates</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of p53 gene regulation in cancer biology?

    <p>It regulates the cell cycle and promotes apoptosis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does tumor burden specifically refer to in oncological terms?

    <p>The total number of cancer cells present in the body</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines the characteristic behavior of anaplastic cancer cells?

    <p>They are poorly differentiated and have variable sizes and shapes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of carcinoma in situ (CIS)?

    <p>It is a precursor to invasive cancer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have in cancer progression?

    <p>It promotes the formation of new blood vessels to supply the tumor.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the mutation of proto-oncogenes relate to cancer development?

    <p>By promoting uncontrolled cell growth and division</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'immortal' imply about cancer cells?

    <p>They can continue to divide indefinitely due to telomerase activity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of biologic response modifiers (BRMs) in cancer treatment?

    <p>To enhance the immune system's ability to target and destroy cancer cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'pleomorphic' indicate about cancer cells?

    <p>They exhibit varied shapes and sizes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does gene silencing affect cancer cells?

    <p>It decreases expression of tumor-suppressor genes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'anaplasia' refer to?

    <p>Loss of cell differentiation and organization.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does loss of heterozygosity contribute to cancer development?

    <p>It removes one allele of a tumor-suppressor gene, reducing its function.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of neoadjuvant chemotherapy?

    <p>To shrink or eliminate the tumor before surgical or radiation treatment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is a known risk for developing cervical cancer?

    <p>Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV).</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common outcome of chronic inflammation in relation to cancer?

    <p>Promotion of tumor development through increased cell proliferation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'metastasis' describe?

    <p>The spread of cancer cells from the primary site to distant organs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the retinoblastoma (Rb) protein in normal cells?

    <p>To regulate the cell cycle progression and suppress uncontrolled division.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do chronic inflammatory processes play in cancer development?

    <p>They increase cell proliferation and stimulate a wound-healing response.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main objective of using the TNM staging system in oncology?

    <p>To evaluate the extent of tumor spread and lymph node involvement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the phenomenon of autocrine stimulation facilitate tumor growth?

    <p>By allowing cancer cells to produce their own growth factors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes an oncomir's influence on cancer progression?

    <p>They facilitate tumor initiation and progression.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does loss of heterozygosity contribute to oncogenic processes?

    <p>By eliminating one allele of a tumor-suppressor gene.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which alteration is a distinguishing feature of malignant tumors compared to benign ones?

    <p>Malignant tumors invade surrounding tissues and are poorly differentiated.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines the term 'pleomorphic' in the context of cancer cells?

    <p>Possessing varying cell shapes and sizes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of mutation is primarily responsible for the formation of fusion genes?

    <p>Chromosomal translocation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a notable attribute of tumor cell markers in cancer diagnosis?

    <p>They help in identifying specific tumor types and tracking progression.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What biological process does epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) enhance in cancer?

    <p>It enhances the invasion and migration capabilities of cancer cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic is typical for cancer cells in terms of their response to apoptotic signals?

    <p>They effectively evade apoptosis, prolonging survival.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the Rb tumor suppressor protein influence cell cycle progression?

    <p>It regulates checkpoints in the cell cycle, preventing uncontrolled division.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant change occurs with the inactivation of the p53 gene in cancer cells?

    <p>It allows for the accumulation of further genetic alterations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Neoplastic Cell Growth

    • Key characteristic: Uncontrolled cell proliferation.
    • Differentiates from normal cell differentiation, which is regulated.

    Abnormal Tissue Growth

    • Abnormal tissue growth forming a tumor is termed neoplasia.
    • Related concepts: Hyperplasia (increased cell number) and metaplasia (change from one cell type to another).

    Tumor Nomenclature

    • Benign tumors named using the suffix "-oma" based on their tissue of origin.
    • Malignant tumors of epithelial origin use the suffix "-carcinoma".

    Malignant vs. Benign Tumors

    • Malignant tumors are characterized by invasiveness, poor differentiation, and potential to metastasize.
    • Benign tumors are non-invasive and typically well-differentiated.

    Carcinoma in Situ (CIS)

    • Indicates a preinvasive tumor confined to the epithelium without invading surrounding tissues.

    Anchorage-Independence

    • Refers to cancer cells' ability to grow without being attached to a substrate, a hallmark of malignancy.

    Telomerase and Cancer Cell Immortality

    • Telomerase maintains telomere length, allowing continued cell division and contributing to cancer cell immortality.

    Genetic Alterations in Cancer

    • Gene amplification involves duplication of gene segments, while point mutations alter protein function.
    • Tumor suppressor genes regulate cell proliferation and can become dysfunctional when mutated.

    Chronic Inflammation

    • Chronic inflammation promotes cancer development by increasing cell proliferation and stimulating a wound-healing response.

    Cancer Staging and Diagnosis

    • The TNM system describes the extent of tumor spread: Tumor size, lymph Node involvement, and Metastasis.
    • Tumor markers, such as PSA for prostate cancer and AFP for liver cancer, aid in diagnosis and monitoring.

    Treatment Modalities

    • Chemotherapy aims to eradicate tumor cells, allowing the immune system to eliminate remaining cells.
    • Immunotherapy stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells, while targeted therapy focuses on specific molecules involved in cancer growth.

    Apoptosis and Cancer Cell Survival

    • Cancer's ability to evade apoptosis permits survival and accumulation of mutations, thereby contributing to disease progression.

    Angiogenesis in Cancer

    • Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes the formation of new blood vessels to supply nutrients and oxygen to tumors.

    Genetic Risk Factors

    • BRCA mutations significantly increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
    • Environmental factors like tobacco smoke and alcohol raise cancer risk by causing DNA damage.

    Tumor Characteristics

    • Pleomorphic cancer cells exhibit varying shapes and sizes, indicating poor differentiation.
    • Anaplastic cells are poorly differentiated and lack organization, often leading to aggressive behavior.

    Cancer Treatment and Management

    • Combination chemotherapy enhances effectiveness by targeting various tumor growth mechanisms.
    • Neoadjuvant chemotherapy shrinks tumors before surgery, while adjuvant chemotherapy aims to eliminate remaining cancer post-surgery.

    Paraneoplastic Syndromes

    • Symptoms can arise from tumor-induced immune responses unrelated to direct tumor effects, such as fatigue and weight loss.

    Extra Cellular Matrix Degradation

    • The degradation of the extracellular matrix enables cancer cell invasion into surrounding tissues, contributing to metastasis.

    Neoplastic Cell Growth

    • Key characteristic: Uncontrolled cell proliferation.
    • Differentiates from normal cell differentiation, which is regulated.

    Abnormal Tissue Growth

    • Abnormal tissue growth forming a tumor is termed neoplasia.
    • Related concepts: Hyperplasia (increased cell number) and metaplasia (change from one cell type to another).

    Tumor Nomenclature

    • Benign tumors named using the suffix "-oma" based on their tissue of origin.
    • Malignant tumors of epithelial origin use the suffix "-carcinoma".

    Malignant vs. Benign Tumors

    • Malignant tumors are characterized by invasiveness, poor differentiation, and potential to metastasize.
    • Benign tumors are non-invasive and typically well-differentiated.

    Carcinoma in Situ (CIS)

    • Indicates a preinvasive tumor confined to the epithelium without invading surrounding tissues.

    Anchorage-Independence

    • Refers to cancer cells' ability to grow without being attached to a substrate, a hallmark of malignancy.

    Telomerase and Cancer Cell Immortality

    • Telomerase maintains telomere length, allowing continued cell division and contributing to cancer cell immortality.

    Genetic Alterations in Cancer

    • Gene amplification involves duplication of gene segments, while point mutations alter protein function.
    • Tumor suppressor genes regulate cell proliferation and can become dysfunctional when mutated.

    Chronic Inflammation

    • Chronic inflammation promotes cancer development by increasing cell proliferation and stimulating a wound-healing response.

    Cancer Staging and Diagnosis

    • The TNM system describes the extent of tumor spread: Tumor size, lymph Node involvement, and Metastasis.
    • Tumor markers, such as PSA for prostate cancer and AFP for liver cancer, aid in diagnosis and monitoring.

    Treatment Modalities

    • Chemotherapy aims to eradicate tumor cells, allowing the immune system to eliminate remaining cells.
    • Immunotherapy stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells, while targeted therapy focuses on specific molecules involved in cancer growth.

    Apoptosis and Cancer Cell Survival

    • Cancer's ability to evade apoptosis permits survival and accumulation of mutations, thereby contributing to disease progression.

    Angiogenesis in Cancer

    • Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes the formation of new blood vessels to supply nutrients and oxygen to tumors.

    Genetic Risk Factors

    • BRCA mutations significantly increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
    • Environmental factors like tobacco smoke and alcohol raise cancer risk by causing DNA damage.

    Tumor Characteristics

    • Pleomorphic cancer cells exhibit varying shapes and sizes, indicating poor differentiation.
    • Anaplastic cells are poorly differentiated and lack organization, often leading to aggressive behavior.

    Cancer Treatment and Management

    • Combination chemotherapy enhances effectiveness by targeting various tumor growth mechanisms.
    • Neoadjuvant chemotherapy shrinks tumors before surgery, while adjuvant chemotherapy aims to eliminate remaining cancer post-surgery.

    Paraneoplastic Syndromes

    • Symptoms can arise from tumor-induced immune responses unrelated to direct tumor effects, such as fatigue and weight loss.

    Extra Cellular Matrix Degradation

    • The degradation of the extracellular matrix enables cancer cell invasion into surrounding tissues, contributing to metastasis.

    Neoplastic Cell Growth

    • Key characteristic: Uncontrolled cell proliferation.
    • Differentiates from normal cell differentiation, which is regulated.

    Abnormal Tissue Growth

    • Abnormal tissue growth forming a tumor is termed neoplasia.
    • Related concepts: Hyperplasia (increased cell number) and metaplasia (change from one cell type to another).

    Tumor Nomenclature

    • Benign tumors named using the suffix "-oma" based on their tissue of origin.
    • Malignant tumors of epithelial origin use the suffix "-carcinoma".

    Malignant vs. Benign Tumors

    • Malignant tumors are characterized by invasiveness, poor differentiation, and potential to metastasize.
    • Benign tumors are non-invasive and typically well-differentiated.

    Carcinoma in Situ (CIS)

    • Indicates a preinvasive tumor confined to the epithelium without invading surrounding tissues.

    Anchorage-Independence

    • Refers to cancer cells' ability to grow without being attached to a substrate, a hallmark of malignancy.

    Telomerase and Cancer Cell Immortality

    • Telomerase maintains telomere length, allowing continued cell division and contributing to cancer cell immortality.

    Genetic Alterations in Cancer

    • Gene amplification involves duplication of gene segments, while point mutations alter protein function.
    • Tumor suppressor genes regulate cell proliferation and can become dysfunctional when mutated.

    Chronic Inflammation

    • Chronic inflammation promotes cancer development by increasing cell proliferation and stimulating a wound-healing response.

    Cancer Staging and Diagnosis

    • The TNM system describes the extent of tumor spread: Tumor size, lymph Node involvement, and Metastasis.
    • Tumor markers, such as PSA for prostate cancer and AFP for liver cancer, aid in diagnosis and monitoring.

    Treatment Modalities

    • Chemotherapy aims to eradicate tumor cells, allowing the immune system to eliminate remaining cells.
    • Immunotherapy stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells, while targeted therapy focuses on specific molecules involved in cancer growth.

    Apoptosis and Cancer Cell Survival

    • Cancer's ability to evade apoptosis permits survival and accumulation of mutations, thereby contributing to disease progression.

    Angiogenesis in Cancer

    • Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes the formation of new blood vessels to supply nutrients and oxygen to tumors.

    Genetic Risk Factors

    • BRCA mutations significantly increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
    • Environmental factors like tobacco smoke and alcohol raise cancer risk by causing DNA damage.

    Tumor Characteristics

    • Pleomorphic cancer cells exhibit varying shapes and sizes, indicating poor differentiation.
    • Anaplastic cells are poorly differentiated and lack organization, often leading to aggressive behavior.

    Cancer Treatment and Management

    • Combination chemotherapy enhances effectiveness by targeting various tumor growth mechanisms.
    • Neoadjuvant chemotherapy shrinks tumors before surgery, while adjuvant chemotherapy aims to eliminate remaining cancer post-surgery.

    Paraneoplastic Syndromes

    • Symptoms can arise from tumor-induced immune responses unrelated to direct tumor effects, such as fatigue and weight loss.

    Extra Cellular Matrix Degradation

    • The degradation of the extracellular matrix enables cancer cell invasion into surrounding tissues, contributing to metastasis.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on key concepts in Cancer Biology with this practice quiz. Questions cover neoplastic cell growth, tumor formation, and the characteristics of benign tumors. Perfect for students preparing for exams in biology or health sciences.

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