Cancer Overview and Cell Characteristics

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Questions and Answers

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

It is a benign tumor confined to one area.

It is a form of cancer that has spread to nearby tissues.

It is a malignant tumor that has metastasized.

It is an early-stage tumor that may become cancer. (correct)

What does Stage IV cancer signify?

Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.

Cancer is early-stage and highly curable.

Cancer has spread to distant parts of the body. (correct)

Cancer is localized within the original site only.

Which suffix indicates a malignant tumor derived from epithelial tissue?

-SARCOMA

-OMA

-CARCINOMA (correct)

-TERATOMA

Which of the following tumors is classified as a sarcoma?

Fibrosarcoma Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic differentiates benign tumors from malignant tumors?

Benign tumors carry a suffix of -OMA. Signup and view all the answers

What is a known effect of estrogen replacement therapy in relation to cancer?

Increases incidence of vaginal and cervical cancers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is associated with a higher likelihood of cancer in older individuals?

Longer exposure to carcinogens Signup and view all the answers

What type of cancer is predominantly observed among females?

Breast cancer Signup and view all the answers

How does geographic distribution influence cancer types?

Certain diets can influence types of cancer prevalent in specific countries Signup and view all the answers

Which occupation has been linked to higher exposure to carcinogens?

Chemical factory workers Signup and view all the answers

What psychological factors can decrease immunocompetence and possibly increase cancer risk?

Depression and grief Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following lesions could be considered precancerous?

Burn scars Signup and view all the answers

What role do oncogenes play in cancer development?

They can lead to malignant tumor development when exposed to carcinogens Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of radiation therapy in the early stages of cancer?

To achieve a local cure of the cancer Signup and view all the answers

Which type of radiation therapy is specifically administered through a high-energy X-ray machine?

External radiation therapy Signup and view all the answers

In what context can palliative therapy using radiation be applied?

To relieve pain caused by obstruction Signup and view all the answers

Why are rapidly dividing cells like cancer cells more vulnerable to radiation therapy?

They cannot repair DNA damage effectively Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of adjuvant therapy in the context of radiation treatment?

It is performed before or after surgery to aid in destruction of cancer cells Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics differentiates benign tumors from malignant tumors?

Benign tumors usually do not spread by metastasis. Signup and view all the answers

What is the second leading cause of death in America as of 2019?

Cancer Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the characteristics of malignant cells?

Malignant cells may invade surrounding tissues and metastasize. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cancer was reported as the leading cause of mortality in the Philippines in 2022?

Liver cancer Signup and view all the answers

What does the rate of growth for malignant tumors depend on?

The level of differentiation of the tumor Signup and view all the answers

How does cancer generally affect the body compared to benign tumors?

It often causes generalized effects like anemia and weakness. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of epidemiology, which statement is correct regarding cancer diagnoses in the United States in 2019?

Approximately 1.7 million new cancer cases were expected. Signup and view all the answers

Which is a characteristic of benign tumors compared to malignant tumors?

They remain localized and are often encapsulated. Signup and view all the answers

What makes the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA) significant in cancer care?

It improves access to cancer centers and establishes a multi-sectoral council. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of cancer is most commonly diagnosed in men?

Prostate cancer Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome of cancer cell proliferation related to normal tissue function?

Decreased ability of tissue to function properly Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is associated with effusion in serous cavities due to tumor obstruction?

Pleural effusion Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of paraneoplastic syndrome?

Abnormal production of enzymes and hormones Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT typically result from cancer cell activity?

Enhanced metabolic efficiency Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of ulceration and necrosis due to tumor invasion?

Ischemia leading to bleeding Signup and view all the answers

Which type of surgical intervention aims to alleviate symptoms without addressing the cancer itself?

Palliative surgery Signup and view all the answers

What typically increases the risk of vascular thrombosis in cancer patients?

Tumors producing abnormal coagulation factors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a direct consequence of the anorexia-cachexia syndrome associated with cancer?

Severe weight loss and tissue wasting Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of curative surgery in cancer treatment?

To remove the entire tumor and surrounding lymph nodes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a symptom directly associated with paraneoplastic syndrome?

Increased caloric intake Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cancer

A group of disorders with distinct causes, manifestations, treatments, and prognoses.
In 2019, the USA diagnosed over 1.7 million new cancer cases.
Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death in America.
The majority of cases (80%) are diagnosed in individuals over 55 years old.
Lung, breast, and colorectal cancers are the most common in women.
Men are more likely to develop lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers.

Characteristics of Benign and Malignant Cells

Benign cells:
- Resemble normal cells of origin.
- Grow by expansion and are usually encapsulated.
- Grow slowly.
- Do not metastasize.
- Localized effects.
Malignant Cells:
- Undifferentiated and may not resemble normal cells of origin.
- Invade and infiltrate surrounding tissues.
- Variable growth rate, with faster growth in anaplastic tumors.
- Metastasize through the blood and lymphatic systems.
- Cause generalized effects.

Predisposing Factors

Age: Older individuals are at higher risk due to longer exposure to carcinogens and altered immune systems.
Sex: Breast cancer is common in females, while prostate cancer is common in males.
Urban vs. Rural: Urban dwellers have higher cancer rates due to increased exposure to carcinogens, stressful lifestyles, and preservative consumption.
Geographic Distribution: Gastric cancer is prevalent in Japan, while breast cancer is dominant in the USA. This may be related to environmental factors like diet and pollution.
Occupation: Workers in chemical factories, farmers, and radiology personnel have higher risks due to carcinogen exposure.
Heredity: A positive family history increases cancer risk, with familial basis in approximately 34% of cancers.
Stress: Depression, grief, and life stresses decrease immunodeficiency, potentially promoting tumor growth.
Precancerous Lesions: Pigmented moles, burn scars, senile keratosis, and benign polyps increase cancer risk.

Staging and Grading of Neoplasia

Nomenclature of Neoplasia:
- Parenchyma: Naming based on tissue of origin (e.g., Hepatoma- liver).
- Pattern and Structure: Based on gross or microscopic patterns (e.g., Cyst, Adeno, Papillo, Polyp).
- Embryonic Origin: Based on originating germ layer (e.g., Ectoderm, Endoderm, Mesoderm).
Benign Tumors: Suffixed with "-OMA" (e.g., LipOMA, osteOMA).
Malignant Tumors:
- Ectodermal, endodermal, glandular, epithelial: Suffixed with "-CARCINOMA" (e.g., Pancreatic AdenoCARCINOMA).
- Mesodermal, connective tissue: Suffixed with "-SARCOMA" (e.g., FibroSARCOMA, MyoSARCOMA).
Exceptions:
- Some "-OMA" suffixes denote malignancy (e.g., HepatOMA, LymphOMA, GliOMA, MelanOMA).
- Tumors from all three germ layers are called "TERATOMA".

Cancer Cell Proliferation

Effusion: Fluid buildup in serous cavities (e.g., pleural effusion, ascites) due to lymphatic obstruction.
Ulceration and Necrosis: Tumor erosion of blood vessels and pressure on tissue lead to ischemia, tissue damage, bleeding, and infection.
Vascular Thrombosis, Embolism, Thrombophlebitis: Abnormal clotting factors produced by tumors can cause pulmonary embolism.

Predisposing Factors/Etiologic Factors

Cellular Aberrations:
- Cancer Cell Proliferation: Disrupts normal cell growth and function, leading to:
  - Pressure
  - Obstruction
  - Pain
  - Effusion
  - Ulceration
  - Vascular thrombosis, thrombophlebitis.
- Paraneoplastic Syndrome: Malignant cells produce enzymes, hormones, and substances that cause:
  - Anemia
  - Hypercalcemia
  - Edema
  - Disseminate Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)
Anorexia and Cachexia Syndrome: A consequence of unrestrained cancer cell growth, resulting in:
- Tissue wasting
- Severe weight loss
- Severe debilitation

Treatment Modalities

Surgical Interventions:
- Diagnostic Surgery: Used for cytologic specimen collection and biopsy.
- Preventive Surgery: Removal of precancerous lesions or benign tumors (e.g., subtotal colectomies for familial polyposis or ulcerative colitis).
- Curative Surgery: Removal of the entire tumor and surrounding lymph nodes for localized cancers.
- Reconstructive Surgery: Improving the appearance and function of affected organs.
- Palliative Surgery: Relieving distressing signs and symptoms and retarding metastasis to improve quality of life, involving:
  - Pain reduction.
  - Relief of airway obstruction.
  - Relief of obstruction in the GI and GU tracts.
  - Pressure relief in the brain and spinal cord.
  - Prevention of hemorrhage.
  - Removal of infected and ulcerating tumors.
  - Abscess drainage.
Radiation Therapy:
- Uses high-energy ionizing radiation to damage DNA and prevent cell reproduction.
- Primary Therapy: Used as the sole treatment for early-stage cancers (e.g., skin cancer, Hodgkin's disease, cervical carcinoma).
- Adjuvant Therapy: Pre or postoperative treatment to enhance cancer cell destruction, often used with chemotherapy.
- Palliative Therapy: Relief of pain, obstruction, fractures, spinal cord compression, and metastases.
- Rapidly dividing cells (like cancer cells) are more sensitive to radiation.
- Types of Radiation Therapy:
  - External Radiation Therapy (Teletherapy or DXT): Administered through an X-ray machine.

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Description

This quiz explores the complex world of cancer, detailing how it affects individuals, the differences between benign and malignant cells, and key statistics regarding diagnosis and mortality. Understand the characteristics of these cell types and the significant factors contributing to cancer development.