Genetic Factors in Cancer Quiz

Male Reproductive System Overview

• The male reproductive system produces, stores, and delivers sperm, and secretes testosterone.
• The penis' structure includes the urinary bladder, prostate, prostate urethra, bulbourethral gland, and spongy urethra. The scrotum houses the testicles.

Testis Anatomy and Components

• Located in the scrotum, outside the abdominal cavity, to maintain optimal temperature for spermatogenesis.
• Encased in the tunica vaginalis, supported by the scrotal ligament.
• Divided into lobules containing seminiferous tubules where sperm production occurs.
• Rete testis and mediastinum are key structures for sperm transport.

Microscopic Features of Testis

• Seminiferous tubules are the site of spermatogenesis.
• Interstitial (Leydig) cells produce testosterone.
• Sertoli cells provide nourishment and structural support for developing sperm

Blood Supply to Testis

• Testicular arteries and veins form the pampiniform plexus, which aids in temperature regulation.

Spermatic Pathway

• Epididymis: Coiled duct where sperm mature and gain motility
• Ductus (Vas) Deferens: Transports sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory ducts.
• Ejaculatory Duct: Formed by the union of the vas deferens and seminal vesicle duct, emptying into the urethra.

Accessory Glands

• Prostate: Produces prostatic fluid, contributing to semen volume and enhancing sperm motility.
• Seminal Vesicles: Secrete fructose-rich fluid for sperm energy.
• Bulbourethral Glands: Produce mucus to lubricate the urethra and neutralize acidity.

External Genitalia

• Penis: Comprised of erectile bodies (corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum); the corpus spongiosum surrounds the urethra. Blood supply is from superficial and deep arterial systems. The scrotum is the protective sac housing the testes and regulating temperature.

Functions Summary

• Spermatogenesis: Sperm production
• Hormone production: Testosterone production
• Semen production: Contributions from accessory glands
• Clinical correlation: Disorders of the testis, prostate disorders, and infertility

Child Development Overview

• Child development encompasses physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes from birth to adolescence.
• Influences include genetic, environmental, and cultural factors.
• Developmental milestones assessment tools are important.

Key Domains of Child Development

• Physical Development: Growth in height, weight, and motor skills; milestones include rolling over, sitting, walking, grasping.
• Cognitive Development: Development of thinking, problem-solving, and understanding, including memory, learning, and language. Social/emotional development: Relationship/emotional building, empathy, attachment, social play.

Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Bayley-III)

• Standardized tool for assessing developmental progress in 1-42 month olds.
• Consists of five domains: Cognitive, language, motor, social-emotional, and adaptive behaviors.
• Used for monitoring development, detecting delays, and guiding interventions.

Benefits and Limitations of Bayley Scales

• Benefits: Comprehensive assessment across multiple domains, standardized scoring, early delay identification, parental insight.
• Limitations: Trained professionals for administration, time-consuming, child's mood/environmental factors during testing could influence performance.

Brain in Puberty

• Adolescence is a transitional developmental phase between childhood and adulthood.
• Key characteristics include physical changes (puberty), cognitive shifts (abstract thinking), behavioral changes (risk-taking), and environmental influences (peer influence).

Stages of Adolescence

• Early Adolescence (10-14 years): Dominated by physical changes and high emotional sensitivity.
• Middle Adolescence (15-17 years): Intensified focus on social interactions and identity formation
• Late Adolescence (18-21+ years): Prefrontal cortex matures, leading to improved impulse control and decision-making.

Brain Development During Adolescence

• Grey Matter Changes (Synaptic Pruning): The brain eliminates unused neural connections increasing efficiency. Begins in the sensorimotor areas and progresses to the prefrontal area.
• White Matter Changes (Myelination): Axons are coated with myelin, which improves signal transmission speed and efficiency. White matter volume increases in areas like the corpus callosum.
• Brain Regions in Development: PFC, Limbic System play critical roles in adolescence.

Behavioral Implications of Adolescent Brain Development

• Impulsivity and Risk-Taking: Limbic system hyperactivity and underdeveloped PFC lead to prioritization of short-term rewards over long-term consequences.
• Emotional Sensitivity: Heightened amygdala activity results in stronger emotional responses and peer interactions are critical.
• Decision-Making Under Stress: Stress disrupts adolescent decision-making due to immature stress response systems.
• Substance Use: Adolescent substance use exploits the developing reward system and elevates the risk of dependency and later cognitive impairments (Alcohol, Cannabis, Nicotine, and other parties drugs impact adolescent development).

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

• STIs are infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, transmitted primarily through sexual contact.
• They can also be transmitted vertically from mother to child during pregnancy or delivery.
• STIs affect women and younger adults disproportionately.

STI Classification

• Bacterial STIs: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis (often asymptomatic)
• Viral STIs: Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Hepatitis B, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV).
• Methods: STI diagnosis using clinical examinations and laboratory tests

STI Diagnosis and Treatment

• Diagnosis: Clinical examination and lab tests (microscopy, culture, NAATs, serology)
• Treatment: Varies by STI type; often antibiotics for bacterial STIs, antivirals for viral STIs; partners of infected individuals must also be treated.

STI Prevention

• Safe Sex Practices: Consistent condom use, limiting sexual partners.
• Vaccination: HPV and HBV vaccines
• Health Education: Community awareness campaigns encouraging early testing and treatment.

Cancer Overview & Tumor Classification

• Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth, arising from genetic mutations in normal cells, resulting in neoplasms (tumors).
• Benign Tumors: Non-invasive, localized growths.
• Malignant Tumors: Invasive growths with potential for metastasis, leading to systemic damage.

Tumorigenesis

• Initiating Factors: Endogenous (DNA replication errors, ROS) and exogenous (radiation, chemicals, viruses) mutagens damage DNA..
• Hereditary Syndromes: Inherited syndromes increase cancer risks due to gene mutations.

Hallmarks of Cancer

• Sustaining Proliferative Signaling: Activation of growth factor pathways
• Evading Growth Suppressors: Loss of tumor suppressor genes
• Resisting Cell Death: Anti-apoptotic factors block programmed cell death.
• Enabling Replicative Immortality: Telomerase activation prevents telomere shortening, preventing cellular senescence.
• Inducing Angiogenesis: Tumors promote blood vessel formation (VEGF production) ensuring nutrient and oxygen supply.
• Activating Invasion and Metastasis: EMT and increased mobility, invasiveness (MMPs, integrins, loss of cell adhesion).

Emerging Hallmarks of Cancer

• Genome Instability and Mutation: Accumulation of mutations due to defective DNA repair mechanisms.
• Deregulating Cellular Metabolism: Warburg effect (increased glycolysis)
• Tumor-Promoting Inflammation: Immune cells promote tumor growth.
• Avoiding Immune Destruction: Tumor cells avoid immune surveillance.

Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

• Diagnostic Tools: Imaging, biopsy, molecular testing (mutations),
• Local Treatments: Surgery, radiation,
• Systemic Treatments: Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormonal therapy, immunotherapy.

Inheritable Tumors

• Inherited mutations passed through families increase susceptibility to cancer.
• Key Syndromes: HBOC, FAP, LFS.
• Genetic screening and counseling are critical for individuals with family histories of these conditions.

Neoplasia and Molecular Pathology

• Neoplasia Overview: Disorder of cell growth (abnormal mass of tissue—cells grow and divide excessively; cells fail to die on time).
• Classification of Neoplasms (by origin and behavior): Ectoderm/Endoderm, Mesoderm, Mixed tumors, Blastomas.
• Key Features of Malignancy: Invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis.
• Hallmarks of Cancer: Sustaining Proliferative Signaling, Evading Growth Suppressors, Resisting Cell Death, Enabling Replicative Immortality, Inducing Angiogenesis, Activating Invasion & Metastasis, Immune evasion, metabolic deregulation. (These are listed in the document for easier location if required).

Molecular Basis of Oncology Treatments

• Treatments are rooted in cancer biology and target key processes (DNA synthesis, cell cycle, tumor-host interactions).
• Pillars of cancer therapy: Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy.

Multidisciplinary Approach in Oncology

• Definition: Collaboration of healthcare professionals across various specialties (surgery, oncology, pathology, radiology, etc.) to optimize cancer care and outcomes.
• Key Teams: Pathologists, radiologists, geneticists, and surgical/medical oncologists, nurses, nutritionists, and psychologists.
• Note:* This summary covers the provided documents, and is intended for study purposes only. Consult with qualified medical professionals for diagnosis and treatment.

Test your knowledge on the genetic aspects of cancer, including inheritable tumors, associated syndromes, and genetic counseling. This quiz covers key concepts related to Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer, and other cancer syndromes. Challenge yourself to identify inheritance patterns and hallmark characteristics of cancer.