11-Surgical Oncology

A gene that, when mutated or overexpressed, contributes to cancer development.

The normal, non-mutated version of an oncogene. It plays a role in normal cell growth and regulation.

These genes can influence how the cell cycle progresses, potentially leading to unregulated cell growth and proliferation.

These proteins can trigger cell growth and division.

These act as receptors on the cell surface that bind to growth factors, initiating signaling pathways that ultimately affect cell growth.

These proteins relay signals inside the cell, ultimately influencing processes like cell growth and division.

These proteins regulate gene expression, ultimately affecting cell growth and division.

The process by which cells divide and multiply to produce a new generation of cells.

A protein involved in cell-cell interactions, cell adhesion, regulation of beta-catenin and maintaining microtubule structure.

A genetic condition associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer, often without the presence of polyps.

The Amsterdam criteria (3-2-1-0 rule) are used to diagnose HNPCC based on family history of specific cancers.

Lynch Syndrome, also known as HNPCC, is an autosomal dominant disorder.

Lynch Syndrome is characterized by a high risk of colon cancer, but also other cancers, such as those of the endometrium and the urinary tract.

The APC gene is a tumor suppressor gene, meaning it normally prevents cancer.

Mutations in the APC gene can lead to dysregulation of cellular processes, including cell division, movement, differentiation and programmed cell death.

The first tumor suppressor gene to be identified.

A rare inherited disorder characterized by the development of various tumors, including those in the endocrine glands and neuroendocrine tissues.

A type of cancer that arises in the eye, specifically in the retina.

The process by which a cell stops dividing and remains in a non-dividing state.

Programmed cell death, a normal process of self-destruction that eliminates unwanted or damaged cells.

A multimodal approach combines therapies like systemic treatment and radiation therapy to improve patient survival rates in cancer.

When a surgeon performs a cancer operation, they must also be knowledgeable about alternatives to surgery and reconstructive options.

Pre- and post-operative chemotherapy and radiation therapy can have side effects. Surgeons need to be aware of these possibilities.

A negative surgical margin means cancer cells are not found at the edge of the removed tissue. This indicates a successful removal and increases chances of cure.

A tumor that cannot be surgically removed with a negative margin is considered inoperable. This often means the cancer is too advanced.

Before surgery, imaging tests are crucial to determine the extent of the cancer and whether surgery is possible. This helps plan the best course of action.

Second-echelon lymph nodes are those that receive lymph drainage from the sentinel nodes. They are non-sentinel nodes.

The treatment plan for patients with distant metastases depends on factors such as the location, size, and number of metastases, as well as the patient's overall health and preferences.

A substance that can be found in higher amounts in the blood, urine, or tissues of patients with cancer.

A marker that can predict how likely a patient is to survive a certain type of cancer.

A marker that can determine the response to a specific cancer treatment.

A model that uses factors like age, family history, and genetics to predict the risk of developing breast cancer.

A process of regularly checking for cancer in individuals who may not yet have symptoms.

A model used to assess breast cancer risk, considering factors such as age, family history, and age at first live birth.

A marker that indicates the presence of estrogen receptors in breast cancer cells.

A protein found on the surface of some breast cancer cells.

A test that measures the activity of specific genes to predict the risk of breast cancer recurrence.

A gene expression profiling platform used to predict the risk of breast cancer recurrence.

A large-scale study that evaluated the effectiveness of MammaPrint in guiding therapy decisions in node-negative breast cancer.

A genetic mutation that increases the risk of developing breast cancer.

A model that uses family history and other factors to estimate the risk of carrying a BRCA mutation.

A model that uses complex family history to calculate the risk of breast cancer.

A model used to assess breast cancer risk, specifically focused on the interplay of genetic and family history factors to predict risk.

A type of therapy specifically designed to target and disrupt the growth of cancer cells, while minimizing damage to healthy cells. It works by targeting specific molecules that are involved in cancer development or progression.

This therapy aims to modulate the body's natural immune system to fight cancer. It can involve boosting the immune system's response to cancer cells or using substances that target specific elements of the immune system.

A class of proteins that act as 'on' or 'off' switches for various cellular processes, including growth and division. Abnormal kinase activity can contribute to cancer development, making them attractive targets for cancer therapies.

A type of targeted therapy that focuses on interrupting the communication pathways within the cell. These signaling pathways can become dysregulated, promoting uncontrolled cell growth. Drugs in this category block these signals, effectively shutting down the cancer's communication network.

A type of targeted therapy that halts the progression of the cell cycle, a crucial step in cellular division. These drugs target specific proteins involved in this process, preventing cancer cells from multiplying.

A type of immunotherapy that aims to stimulate the immune system's overall response to cancer. This approach involves administering substances like bacterial agents or their products, like Bacille-Calmette-Guerin (BCG), to activate the immune system.

A type of therapy that aims to modify the genetic program of cancer cells to target the root of the problem. It's a promising approach being explored to treat various diseases, including cancer and metabolic disorders.

A type of therapy that targets the process of angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels that supply tumors with nutrients and oxygen. By inhibiting this process, anti-angiogenic compounds can starve tumors and halt their growth.