Cancer: Characteristics and Origins
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Questions and Answers

What is a core feature of all cancer cells?

  • Decreased cell size
  • Improved differentiation
  • Lack of nutritional requirements
  • Uncontrolled growth (correct)
  • Which of the following terms describes an abnormal mass of proliferating cells?

  • Dysplasia
  • Neoplasia (correct)
  • Metaplasia
  • Anaplasia
  • Which type of cancer is the most common among females worldwide?

  • Colorectal cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Breast cancer (correct)
  • Prostate cancer
  • What change characterizes dysplasia in cells?

    <p>Alteration in size, shape, and organization (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition is described by an increase in cell size without an increase in cell number?

    <p>Hypertrophy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the potential risk associated with having dysplastic nevi?

    <p>Increased risk of developing melanomas (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is hyperplasia often a response to?

    <p>Specific stimuli (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which of the following conditions is breast hyperplasia physiological?

    <p>Pregnancy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one primary purpose of tumor markers?

    <p>To assist in monitoring therapy and recurrence (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately describes PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)?

    <p>It can indicate benign prostatic hyperplasia without cancer. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic is associated with malignant tumor histology?

    <p>Nuclear enlargement (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which therapy involves the use of positively charged particles to treat cancer?

    <p>Proton beam therapy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect is crucial for determining the management of cancers?

    <p>How aggressive the tumor is (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential effect of chemotherapy?

    <p>Frequent infections (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about targeted cancer therapy is true?

    <p>It targets specific molecules involved in tumor growth. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition may cause PSA levels to rise significantly, potentially misleading diagnosis?

    <p>Benign prostatic hyperplasia (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main risk factor for lung cancer in the general population?

    <p>Tobacco consumption (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following viruses is linked to cervical cancer?

    <p>Human papillomavirus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes a malignant neoplasm?

    <p>Invasive and poorly differentiated (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of cancer is associated with the Philadelphia chromosome?

    <p>Chronic myelogenous leukaemia (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a symptom of xeroderma pigmentosum (XP)?

    <p>Irregular dark spots on the skin (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does obesity relate to cancer risks?

    <p>It increases the risk for several types of cancer. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of tumour classification, what does the 'TNM' system assess?

    <p>Tumour size, nodal involvement, and metastasis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common clinical effect of a tumour?

    <p>Fatigue (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What causes the formation of N-nitroso compounds in the stomach?

    <p>Digestion of red meat (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a common paraneoplastic syndrome?

    <p>Acne vulgaris (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is the cancer cachexia syndrome characterized?

    <p>Progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What mechanism allows retroviruses to alter host cell DNA?

    <p>Reverse transcriptase (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes benign neoplasms?

    <p>Encapsulated and non-invasive (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a common investigation method for cancer diagnosis?

    <p>Pap smear test (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What allows malignant cells to replicate indefinitely?

    <p>Presence of telomerase (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic of malignant cells contributes to their ability to invade surrounding tissues?

    <p>Sustained angiogenesis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor does NOT typically contribute to the aetiology of malignant disease?

    <p>Hormonal fluctuations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of p53 in preventing cancer?

    <p>Repairs DNA and controls apoptosis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of malignant cells that differentiates them from normal cells?

    <p>Resistance to contact inhibition (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following conditions is associated with inborn zygotic mutations leading to cancer?

    <p>Li-Fraumeni syndrome (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by the term 'anchorage-independent growth' in malignant cells?

    <p>They can grow without needing to attach to a surface (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which genetic alteration is characterized by a chromosomal translocation and associated with certain leukemias?

    <p>Philadelphia chromosome (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor is involved in promoting angiogenesis in tumor growth?

    <p>Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement regarding apoptotic resistance in malignant cells is true?

    <p>They can resist programmed cell death and survive longer. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consequence of increased autocrine signaling in cancer cells?

    <p>Uncontrolled cell proliferation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which cancer type is most commonly associated with mutations in the APC gene?

    <p>Colorectal cancer (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the microenvironment play in cancer development?

    <p>Influences tumor growth through cell interactions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Neoplasia

    The formation of an abnormal mass of cells that grow and divide uncontrollably, often independently of the body's normal controls.

    What are tumour markers?

    Tumour markers are substances found in blood, urine, or tissue that indicate the presence of cancer. They can help diagnose, stage, monitor, and guide treatment.

    What cancer is AFP associated with?

    Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a tumor marker primarily associated with liver and testicular cancers.

    Anaplasia

    A lack of differentiation in neoplastic cells, characterized by a mass of primitive, varied cells.

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    What is a liquid biopsy?

    Liquid biopsy involves analyzing circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the blood to detect and monitor cancer.

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    Hyperplasia

    An increase in the number of cells within an organ or tissue, usually in response to a specific stimulus. It can be normal or abnormal.

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    Metaplasia

    A change from one differentiated cell type to another mature, differentiated cell type.

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    How do targeted cancer therapies work?

    Targeted cancer therapies work by specifically targeting molecules involved in tumor growth and progression, effectively blocking the cancer's ability to grow and spread.

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    Dysplasia

    An abnormality in the development of cells, characterized by changes in size, shape, and organization of adult cells.

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    What is proton therapy?

    Proton therapy uses protons instead of X-rays to deliver radiation to cancer cells. This method offers a more targeted and precise treatment option.

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    What is chemotherapy?

    Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment that uses medications to destroy cancer cells throughout the body.

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    Hypertrophy

    An increase in the size of a cell or organ due to an increase in the size of individual cells.

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    What are some common side effects of chemotherapy?

    Common side effects of chemotherapy include frequent infections, diarrhea, nausea, hair loss, and anemia.

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    Dysplastic nevus

    A type of dysplasia characterized by atypical moles that are larger, irregular, and uneven in color. It increases the risk of developing melanoma.

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    Cancer

    Cancer is a collection of diseases that affect the body's cells and tissues. It is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and the ability of cancer cells to invade and spread to other parts of the body.

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    What are some factors determining the management of cancer?

    The aggressiveness of a tumor, its likelihood to spread, patient mortality and morbidity, and the cure rate of treatment procedures are all factors considered when choosing a treatment plan.

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    Growth Signal Autonomy

    Cancer cells become unresponsive to signals that normally control cell growth and division. They continue to grow and divide even when there are no growth signals present.

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    Resistance to Apoptosis

    Cancer cells have a reduced ability to undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis). This allows them to survive longer than normal cells.

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    Unlimited Replicative Potential

    Normal cells divide a specific number of times before they stop. Cancer cells, however, can proliferate indefinitely. Telomerase, an enzyme, prevents the shortening of DNA ends (telomeres) during cell division, allowing indefinite replication.

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    Sustained Angiogenesis

    Cancer cells can attract new blood vessels to grow towards them through a process called angiogenesis. This provides the cancer cells with the oxygen and nutrients they need for continued growth and spread.

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    Invasion of Surrounding Tissue

    Cancer cells break through normal tissue boundaries and invade surrounding areas. This facilitates easier spread.

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    Metastasis

    Cancer cells can travel to distant parts of the body, survive in the new environment, and begin growing (metastasize).

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    Anchorage-Independent Growth

    Cancer cells don't need to be attached to any surface to grow, unlike normal cells which stop growing when they come in contact with other cells. This allows cancer cells to migrate and form new colonies.

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    Autocrine Signalling

    Cancer cells produce their own growth factors, in contrast to normal cells which depend on external growth stimuli. This allows cancer cells to self-stimulate their growth.

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    Telomerase and Immortality

    The ends of chromosomes, called telomeres, shorten with each cell division. Telomerase, an enzyme, helps maintain telomeres lengths in cancer cells, allowing for unlimited replication.

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    Angiogenesis: Tumor Blood Supply

    Cancer cells secrete factors that promote blood vessel growth (angiogenic factors) and suppress blood vessel destruction (anti-angiogenic factors). This creates a constant blood supply and enables spread.

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    Invasion and Metastasis: Tumor Progression

    Cancer cells can break free from the primary tumor and invade surrounding tissue, including blood vessels and lymphatic systems. They then travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to distant sites where they establish new tumors.

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    Anchorage-Independent Growth: Survival in Circulatory System

    Cancer cells can grow independently of a solid or liquid surface, which allows them to survive and spread through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

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    Contact Inhibition and Cancer

    Normal cells exhibit contact inhibition, meaning they stop dividing when they come into contact with other cells. Cancer cells lose this ability and continue to divide even when they are packed tightly together.

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    Genetic Mutations and Cancer

    Mutations in genes can alter the normal cell cycle and lead to uncontrolled cell growth. These mutations can be inherited, or acquired during a lifetime.

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    p53 and Cancer

    The p53 gene is a tumor suppressor gene that plays a crucial role in controlling cell growth and apoptosis. Mutations in p53 are common in cancer and can result in uncontrolled cell growth.

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    Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP)

    A genetic disorder caused by mutations in genes involved in DNA repair, particularly the XPA-XPG genes.

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    Philadelphia chromosome

    A translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22, specifically a fusion of the ABL gene on chromosome 9 with the BCR gene on chromosome 22, resulting in a hybrid gene that promotes excessive granulocyte growth.

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    Retinoblastoma

    A type of cancer caused by abnormal growth of cells in the retina. It's often linked to mutations in the Rb gene.

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    Oncogenic viruses

    A group of viruses that can cause cancer by interfering with host cell genes during their replication process. Examples include HPV, Epstein-Barr virus, and hepatitis B and C viruses.

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    Nucleotide excision repair (NER)

    The process of repairing DNA damage caused by UV radiation or other mutagenic agents. Involves several steps, including recognition, excision, synthesis, and ligation.

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    Esophageal Cancer

    A type of cancer that develops in the esophagus, often linked to alcohol consumption. Males are at higher risk.

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    Cancer Cachexia

    A syndrome characterized by a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass (sarcopenia), adipose tissue wasting, systemic inflammation, and other metabolic abnormalities. It often occurs in cancer patients and can be caused by the tumor itself.

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    Multistep progression of cancer

    The process by which normal cells become cancerous through a series of genetic mutations and alterations in cellular behavior. It is often a multi-step process.

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    Aetiology of Cancer

    A term used to describe the factors that contribute to the development of cancer. These include both genetic predisposition and environmental factors.

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    Imaging methods in cancer diagnosis

    The use of medical imaging techniques, such as CT scans, MRI, PET scans, and ultrasounds, to visualize internal structures and detect tumors or other abnormalities.

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    Benign neoplasm

    A type of tumor that is not cancerous and does not spread.

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    Malignant neoplasm

    A type of tumor that is cancerous and spreads to other parts of the body.

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    Histogenetic classification

    A classification system used to characterize different types of cancer based on the cell or tissue of origin.

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    Paraneoplastic Syndromes

    Cancer-related symptoms that are not directly caused by the tumor itself but rather due to the tumor's effects on other parts of the body.

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    Insulinoma

    Abnormal growth of cells in the pancreas that produce excessive levels of insulin, often leading to hypoglycemia.

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    Study Notes

    Cancer: A Multifaceted Problem

    • Cancer is a cellular phenomenon, affecting multicellular organisms. Single-celled organisms are not susceptible.
    • Cancer arises from uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation.
    • It's a collection of various diseases originating from diverse tissues and cells, some more vulnerable than others.
    • Cancer develops over time, often linked to accumulated mutated genes in older individuals.

    Characteristics of Malignant Cells

    • Loss of Growth Control: Cells exhibit autonomy from normal growth signals, dividing excessively. They also ignore inhibitory signals.
    • Resistance to Apoptosis: Cancer cells evade programmed cell death (apoptosis), leading to prolonged survival.
    • Unlimited Replicative Potential: Telomerase, an enzyme, enables continuous cell division, unlike normal cells.
    • Sustained Angiogenesis: Cancer cells stimulate new blood vessel growth to supply nutrients and oxygen, aiding spread.
    • Invasiveness and Metastasis: Cancer cells invade neighboring tissues and colonize distant sites (metastasis).
    • Anchorage-Independent Growth & Contact Inhibition Loss: Cancer cells proliferate without attachment to surfaces and override the normal cell-contact signals that halt growth.
    • Autocrine Signaling: Cancer cells produce their own growth factors, rather than relying on signals from other cells.

    Causes of Cancer (Aetiology)

    • Genetic Mutations: Inherited (zygotic) and acquired (somatic) mutations contribute significantly.
    • Environmental Factors: Viruses, chemical exposures, and radiation are environmental risk factors.
    • Abnormal Tissue Microenvironment: Factors like blood vessels, fibroblasts, and immune cells can influence cancer development.
    • Age: Increased age is associated with a growing risk of cancer due to the increased likelihood of accumulated mutations.
    • Lifestyle: Diet, exercise, and other lifestyle choices can also play a role in cancer development.

    Specific Risk Factors & Cancer Types

    • BRCA1/2: Mutations linked to breast and ovarian cancer risk.
    • p53: Mutations in p53 are common in various cancers.
    • Oncogenic Viruses: Some viruses (e.g., HPV, Epstein-Barr) can trigger cancers.
    • Chemical Exposure: Certain chemicals are linked to particular cancers.
    • UV Radiation: Increases the risk of various skin cancers

    Tumor Types & Characteristics

    • Benign Neoplasms: Usually encapsulated, non-invasive, and grow slowly. These tumors are rarely, if ever, metastatic.
    • Malignant Neoplasms: Lack encapsulation, are invasive, grow rapidly, and metastasize.
    • Histogenetic Classification: Classifying cancers based on their cell or tissue type of origin (carcinomas, sarcomas, leukemias, lymphomas).

    Clinical Effects of Tumors

    • General Effects: Fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea.
    • Local Effects: Pain, compression, obstruction, ulceration, rupture.
    • Endocrine Effects: Hormonal disruptions related to the tumor.
    • Paraneoplastic Syndromes: Symptoms unrelated to the tumor's direct effects or spread.

    Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment

    • Diagnosis: Often involves physical exams, imaging (CT, MRI, PET), blood tests, biopsies.
    • Tumor Markers: Substances in blood/urine/tissue used for various purposes regarding diagnosis, treatment monitoring and prognosis.
    • Treatment: Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, stem cell transplantation.

    Additional Notes

    • Cancer cachexia: a syndrome involving muscle loss, fat loss, and metabolic abnormalities associated with cancer.
    • Liquid Biopsy: analyzes circulating tumor cells and DNA for cancer detection.
    • TNM staging system used for classifying cancer severity.
    • Survival rates are typically measured over a five-year period.
    • Chemotherapy side effects: infections, nausea, hair loss, diarrhea, anemia.

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    Description

    This quiz delves into the complex nature of cancer, exploring its origins, characteristics of malignant cells, and the mechanisms behind uncontrolled growth and metastasis. Test your knowledge on the cellular basis of cancer, the factors contributing to its development, and the unique traits that define cancerous cells.

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