Cancer Biology Quiz

An abnormal tissue mass that grows uncontrollably, independent of normal tissue growth signals.

Mutated genes that promote excessive cell growth, leading to cancer.

Normal genes responsible for cell growth and division.

The process of cancer development.

Mutations that can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer.

Substances like chemicals, radiation, or infectious agents that can cause genetic damage.

A mass of tissue that can be cancerous or non-cancerous.

Growth independent of normal signals like hormones, that regulates the growth of cells in a normal body.

Tumors arise from the uncontrolled growth and division of a single, damaged cell.

A non-cancerous tumor that stays localized and rarely spreads.

A cancerous tumor that can invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body (metastasize).

An umbrella term for malignant tumors.

A tumor that arises from a single progenitor cell.

A tumor that arises from multiple progenitor cells.

The suffix '-oma' indicates a benign tumor.

Benign tumors originating from connective tissues like muscle, bone, fat, and cartilage are named based on the tissue type with '-oma' added.

Benign tumors from glandular epithelium are called 'adenomas', breast tumors are 'fibroadenomas', and smooth muscle tumors are 'leiomyomas'.

A malignant tumor originating from mesenchymal tissues.

A malignant tumor originating from epithelial cells, derived from any of the three germ layers.

The ratio of the size of the nucleus to the size of the cytoplasm in a cell. It's increased in malignant cells.

Increased density of the chromatin in the nucleus of a cell, often observed in malignant cells.

Variation in the size and shape of nuclei from cell to cell, a characteristic of cancer cells.

The spread of cancer cells from their original site to other parts of the body.

Metastasis is the most reliable sign of malignancy.

The loss of differentiation in cells, making them more primitive and abnormal. This is often seen in malignant tumors.

The degree to which cancer cells resemble the normal cells of their origin. Well-differentiated tumors are closer to normal cells.

Benign tumors typically grow slowly, while malignant tumors tend to grow rapidly and sometimes erratically.

The ability of a tumor to spread into surrounding tissues, which is more common in malignant tumors.

A group of abnormal cells confined to the original location where they formed, without invading surrounding tissue.

Malignant cells release enzymes like collagenase type IV and other proteases that break down the basement membrane, allowing invasion.

A complex syndrome characterized by severe weight loss, muscle wasting, and loss of appetite, often associated with chronic diseases like cancer.

The size and extent of a tumor, reflecting the amount of cancerous tissue present in the body.

The study of the body's immune system, encompassing the molecules, cells, organs, and systems involved in defending against pathogens.

The ability of the body to resist infection and disease, protecting against harmful microorganisms.

The innate immune system, present at birth, providing a first line of defense against pathogens with general mechanisms.

The adaptive immune system, developing over time, providing a targeted and specific defense against pathogens with memory.

The acquired immune system that develops over time and specifically targets pathogens, relying on T and B lymphocytes.

The natural immune system that provides the first line of defense, acting immediately and non-specifically.

The body's natural defense mechanism that identifies and eliminates emerging cancer cells.

The primary anti-tumor mechanism where immune cells directly attack and destroy cancer cells.

A type of immune cell that directly kills cancer cells, especially those infected by viruses.

Immune cells that can kill cancer cells without prior sensitization, acting as the first line of defense.

Immune cells that engulf and destroy cancer cells, often activated by other immune cells like T cells and NK cells.

Highly specific antibodies produced in the lab that can target cancer cells for destruction.

Strategies used by tumor cells to avoid detection and destruction by the immune system.

The body's ability to recognize and respond to cancer cells.