Cancer Terminology and Classification Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What does the classification 'T0' indicate about a primary tumour?

There is evidence of primary tumour.

The primary tumour is of large size.

No evidence of primary tumour. (correct)

The primary tumour cannot be evaluated.

Which stage of cancer indicates that the disease is confined to the site of origin?

Stage I

Stage II

Stage IV

Stage 0 (correct)

What percentage of cancer-related deaths is attributed to metastasis?

75%

90% (correct)

10%

50%

Which method is NOT listed as a main route of cancer spread?

Hormonal route Signup and view all the answers

What does the classification 'M1' signify in tumor classification?

Distant metastasis is present. Signup and view all the answers

What best describes a benign tumor?

It is non-invasive and generally grows slowly. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about cancer incidence rates in the UK since the mid-1970s is correct?

Cancer incidence rates have risen by 22% in males and 42% in females. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of malignant disease treatment?

It often involves radical treatment methods. Signup and view all the answers

How often was someone diagnosed with cancer in the UK in 2011?

Every two minutes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of benign tumors?

They can change and destroy nearby tissues. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main aim of palliative treatment in malignant disease?

To improve quality of life without necessarily curing the disease. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common fear that British people have regarding cancer?

All the above Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes malignant tumors from benign tumors?

Malignant tumors can spread to other parts of the body. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes malignant tumors in comparison to benign tumors?

They have the ability to spread to other sites in the body. Signup and view all the answers

How do well-differentiated tumors behave in terms of cell division?

They exhibit a slower rate of division. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is associated with lung cancer?

Shortness of breath Signup and view all the answers

What do poorly differentiated tumors signify in terms of cellular structure?

They have abnormal-looking cells and may lack normal tissue structures. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT typically associated with the grading of tumors?

The patient’s age at diagnosis Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of the lymphatic system in relation to cancer spread?

To filter the blood in the spleen Signup and view all the answers

What method of cancer spread involves the implantation of tumor cells through surgical means?

Natural anatomical route Signup and view all the answers

Which option best describes tumors that develop a unique blood supply?

Adjacent to vascular organs Signup and view all the answers

Which route of cancer spread is characterized by the movement across body cavities, such as the pleura?

Trans-coelomic route Signup and view all the answers

Why is the cerebrospinal fluid spread route for cancer considered risky?

It poses risks to surrounding normal nervous tissue Signup and view all the answers

Which imaging method is NOT commonly used for detecting bone metastasis?

Ultrasound scan Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of tumors that can influence their staging through lymphatic spread?

They significantly use lymphatic pathways Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common site of spread for head and neck cancers?

Adjacent tumor sites with good vascular supply Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Tumours, Methods of Spread, and Metastatic Disease

Tumours are a significant global health concern, with approximately 325,000 people diagnosed annually in the UK.
Around 890 people are diagnosed every day.
Cancer incidence rates in Great Britain have increased by 22% in males and 42% in females since the mid-1970s.
Cancer is a leading fear among the British public, exceeding concerns about debt, knife crime, Alzheimer's disease, and job loss.
Metastatic disease accounts for a large proportion (90%) of cancer-related deaths.
A significant portion (approximately 6-10%) of cancer patients are diagnosed with Stage IV disease at the initial diagnosis.

Aims of the Session

Understand the basics of cancer.
Understand the difference between benign and malignant tumours.
Understand the spread of disease.

Facts

2010: Approximately 325,000 cancer cases in the UK.
2011: Approximately 331,487 cancer cases in the UK.
2017: Approximately 367,000 new cancer cases.
2014: Approximately 356,860 new cancer cases.
50% of cancer patients survive for 10+ years (2010-2011, England and Wales).
38% of cancer cases are preventable.

Benign Tumours

Benign tumours are non-cancerous growths.
They do not spread to other parts of the body.
They do not change or destroy nearby tissues.
They are non-invasive.
They are generally encapsulated, and grow slowly, are not usually harmful.
The study notes ask for the characteristics to be written on the slide.

Malignant Tumours

Malignant tumours are cancerous.
They invade and destroy nearby tissues.
They have the ability to spread to other sites in the body.
They can occur in bone and soft tissues.
Common trends of spread are noted.
Consequences of untreatable disease includes brain (memory loss, balance/co-ordination problems, speech and sight impairment), and lung problems (shortness of breath, coughing up blood, wheezing, and pain).

Tumour Classification

Tumour classification involves differentiating between benign and malignant tumours, based on the differentiation of tumour cells
Tumour grade is determined and classified using specific cancer type-specific grading systems.
Tumour grade significantly affects treatment options.
The study notes include a link to a website for more information on staging.

Tumour Differentiation

"Well-differentiated" tumours have cells and tissue organisation similar to normal cells and tissues.
"Undifferentiated" or "poorly differentiated" tumours have abnormal-looking cells and lack normal structures. These are more aggressive and spread rapidly.
The notes provide a classification table for different differentiation types (well-differentiated, moderately differentiated, and poorly differentiated/anaplastic).

Tumour Classification Example

Primary tumour (T): TX, TO, T1, T2, T3, and T4.
Regional lymph nodes (N): NX, NO, N1, N2, and N3.
Distant metastasis (M): MX, MO, and M1.

Tumour Stage Example

Carcinoma in situ: Indicates more extensive disease, with larger tumour size.
Stage I-III: Indicates the spread of cancer beyond the organ of origin, nearby lymph node or tissues, or to organs adjacent to the location of the primary tumour.
Spread to distant tissues or organs.

Metastasis

Metastasis accounts for 90% of cancer-related deaths.
6-10% of patients are diagnosed with Stage IV cancer at the initial diagnosis.
Metastasis at an early stage is often silent.
Management is generally 'palliative'.

Main Methods of Spread

Direct invasion: Tumour extension into neighbouring tissues and organs (e.g., head and neck cancers).
Blood route: Tumour cells travel via the bloodstream to distant sites.
Lymphatic route: Spread occurs via the lymphatic system and to lymph nodes.

Lymph Node Locations

Posterior auricular
Occipital
Superficial cervical
Deep cervical
Posterior cervical
Preauricular
Parotid
Tonsillar
Submental
Submandibular

Imaging Technologies

CT scan
MRI scan
PET scan

Personalising Treatment

Tumour markers and personalization of treatment for radiotherapy.

Other Important Notes

Cancer in situ
Lymphatic routes of spread
Common sites of spread (lymph vessels, nodes, common sites like tonsils, thymus, spleen, bone marrow)
Less common spread methods (implantation of tumour cells via surgery or CSF, Anatomical Routes)
Trans-coelomic route
Spread via Cerebrospinal fluid
Brain metastasis.
Images are included for several types of scans.

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Description

Test your knowledge on cancer terminology and classification with this quiz. Explore key concepts such as tumor classifications, stages of cancer, and characteristics of benign versus malignant tumors. Perfect for students and anyone looking to enhance their understanding of cancer biology.