Mechanisms of Cancer Spread and Staging
33 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary clinical application of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in cancer diagnosis?

PSA is used as a tumor marker to indicate possible malignancy when elevated levels are detected.

How do molecular methods improve the prognosis assessment of malignancy?

Molecular methods identify genetic alterations associated with poor prognosis, aiding in treatment stratification.

What role does fine-needle aspiration play in tumor diagnosis?

Fine-needle aspiration allows for the extraction of cells and fluids for cytologic examination of tumors.

How does the detection of residual disease inform treatment efficacy in cancer patients?

<p>Detecting small numbers of malignant cells can assess treatment effectiveness and monitor for tumor recurrence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 analysis in cancer risk assessment?

<p>BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 analysis identifies hereditary predisposition to breast cancer, enabling family screening.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three primary routes of cancer dissemination?

<p>Direct spread, lymphatic spread, and hematogenous spread.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does lymphatic spread differ from hematogenous spread in cancer?

<p>Lymphatic spread typically involves transport to regional lymph nodes, while hematogenous spread occurs through the bloodstream to distant sites.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the biopsy of the sentinel lymph node significant in cancer staging?

<p>It allows for accurate assessment of tumor metastasis to help determine the stage of the cancer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is transcoelomic spread, and which cancer is commonly associated with it?

<p>Transcoelomic spread is the dispersion of cancer into body cavities, commonly associated with ovarian carcinoma.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the role of angiogenesis in tumor growth.

<p>Angiogenesis is the process by which tumors induce new blood vessel growth to access nutrients and facilitate waste removal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does perineural spread present clinically?

<p>Perineural spread typically presents as pain due to the invasion of nerves by tumor cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which organs are the most common sites for hematogenous metastases, and why?

<p>The lung and liver are the most common sites for hematogenous metastases due to their vascular nature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes new tumor vessels from normal vasculature?

<p>New tumor vessels are typically dilated, leaky, and have slow, abnormal flow.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of tumor differentiation in tumor grading?

<p>Tumor differentiation indicates how much a malignant tumor resembles its normal counterpart, influencing its growth rate and treatment response.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the components of the TNM staging system.

<p>The TNM staging system includes T for tumor size and local invasion, N for regional lymph node involvement, and M for distant metastases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does cancer cachexia affect patients physically?

<p>Cancer cachexia leads to loss of body fat and lean mass, profound weakness, and is driven by inflammatory cytokines from tumor-related processes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the differences between Grade I and Grade III tumors?

<p>Grade I tumors are well-differentiated (75% or more differentiated cells) and grow slowly, while Grade III tumors are poorly differentiated (less than 25% differentiated cells) and grow rapidly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do cytokines play in cancer cachexia?

<p>Cytokines, mainly TNF, contribute to cancer cachexia by affecting appetite, fat metabolism, and muscle catabolism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What laboratory methods are primarily used for cancer diagnosis?

<p>Histologic and cytologic methods are the primary laboratory techniques used for diagnosing cancer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify one paraneoplastic syndrome and its associated hormonal effect.

<p>Hypoglycemia can occur due to insulin production by certain tumors, representing a paraneoplastic syndrome.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the histological examination essential in cancer diagnosis?

<p>Histological examination is essential as it provides detailed information about tumor morphology, differentiation, and potential behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What clinical aspects may tumors of the GI tract cause?

<p>Tumors of the GI tract may cause bowel obstruction, ulceration leading to bleeding, and pain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of poorly differentiated tumors on cancer treatment?

<p>Poorly differentiated tumors (Grade III) are usually more aggressive, faster-growing, and tend to be more radiosensitive.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do proteases play in the process of angiogenesis?

<p>Proteases release preformed angiogenic mediators, such as bFGF, from the extracellular matrix.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does downregulation of E-cadherins contribute to cancer metastasis?

<p>Downregulation of E-cadherins reduces cellular cohesion, allowing tumor cells to dissociate and invade the extracellular matrix.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) in tumor invasion?

<p>MMP9 degrades type IV collagen in the epithelial and vascular basement membrane, aiding in ECM degradation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the significance of tumor cell adherence during vascular dissemination.

<p>Tumor cell adherence to circulating leukocytes and platelets in the bloodstream aids in their embolization and eventual lodging in new sites.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factors influence where tumor cell emboli will lodge after dissemination?

<p>Factors include vascular and lymphatic drainage from the primary tumor and interaction with specific receptors on tumor cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do chemotactic factors influence tumor cell migration?

<p>Tumor cells migrate in response to chemotactic factors released by stromal cells and degraded ECM components.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of grading and staging malignant tumors?

<p>Grading and staging provide estimates of clinical gravity and prognostication for therapy planning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what ways can the microenvironment of an organ affect tumor cell penetration?

<p>The microenvironment can resist tumor cell penetration if it is rich in protease inhibitors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relevance of high endothelial venules in lymph nodes to tumor metastasis?

<p>Certain tumor cells express adhesion molecules that allow them to bind to high endothelial venules in lymph nodes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between ECM attachment and invasion by tumor cells?

<p>Invading tumor cells must express adhesive molecules to interact with the ECM for successful invasion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Direct Spread of Cancer

Tumor cells spread directly to neighboring tissues due to the lack of a protective capsule surrounding the tumor.

Lymphatic Spread of Cancer

Cancer cells travel through the lymphatic system, often spreading to regional lymph nodes. This can lead to enlarged lymph nodes, indicating possible metastasis.

Hematogenous Spread of Cancer

Cancer cells are transported through the bloodstream, reaching distant organs. This is a common route for sarcomas and some carcinomas.

Transcoelomic Spread of Cancer

Cancer cells spread within body cavities, such as the peritoneal, pleural, or pericardial cavities. It can occur without deeper invasion.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Perineural Spread of Cancer

Cancer cells invade and spread along nerves, often causing pain.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Angiogenesis

The formation of new blood vessels within a tumor. This process provides the tumor with essential nutrients and oxygen, allowing it to grow and spread.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Tumor Grading

The process of assigning a grade to a tumor based on its microscopic appearance, reflecting how aggressive it is.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Tumor Staging

A system used to classify tumors based on their size, spread, and involvement of nearby organs.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What are tumor markers?

Tumor markers are substances produced by tumors or associated with tumor growth and are detectable in tissues, blood, or body fluids.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Explain PSA and its significance.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by prostate cells. Elevated PSA levels in the blood can indicate prostate cancer.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How do molecular methods aid in cancer management?

Molecular methods help assess the risk, predict the course, and guide treatment for cancer.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Explain the role of HER-2-NEU in breast cancer.

HER-2-NEU is a gene that promotes cell growth. Overexpression of this gene in breast cancer indicates a potential benefit from targeted therapy.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How do molecular methods help detect residual disease?

Molecular methods can identify very small amounts of cancer cells, helping to monitor treatment effectiveness and detect early recurrence.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)?

A protein essential for blood vessel formation, also called VEGF.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How do growth factors contribute to tumor angiogenesis?

Growth factors and enzymes such as proteases contribute to tumor angiogenesis by promoting blood vessel development.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What happens during the invasion stage of metastasis?

Tumor cells break free from their original site, detach from adjacent cells, and invade surrounding tissues.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How do tumor cells invade the extracellular matrix?

Tumor cells must break down the extracellular matrix surrounding them to invade new tissues.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is the role of cadherins in tumor metastasis?

Cadherins are cell adhesion molecules that help keep cells bound together. In carcinomas, decreased expression of these molecules can lead to cell dissociation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How do tumors degrade the extracellular matrix?

Tumors can release enzymes like matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) to break down the ECM, allowing them to spread.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Why are adhesion molecules important for tumor invasion?

Tumor cells can bind and migrate through the ECM using specific adhesion molecules.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What happens during vascular dissemination in metastasis?

Cancerous cells travel through the bloodstream and lymphatic system, spreading to distant sites.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What factors influence where metastatic cells settle?

Primary tumor location, specific receptors on tumor cells, and the environment of the target site influence where the tumor cells settle.

Signup and view all the flashcards

What is tumor staging?

A system used to determine the severity of a tumor based on how far the cancer has spread, helping guide treatment decisions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Grade I Tumor

Grade I tumors are well-differentiated, meaning they look a lot like normal tissue. They grow slowly and are often resistant to radiation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Grade III Tumor

Grade III tumors are poorly differentiated, meaning they look very different from normal tissue. They grow quickly and are sensitive to radiation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

T in TNM

T in the TNM system stands for tumor and describes its size and whether it has invaded nearby tissues.

Signup and view all the flashcards

N in TNM

N in the TNM system stands for regional lymph node involvement, indicating if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

M in TNM

M in the TNM system stands for distant metastases, indicating if the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cancer Cachexia

Cancer cachexia is a severe wasting syndrome characterized by loss of body fat, muscle mass, and profound weakness. It's often caused by inflammatory cells in response to tumors.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Paraneoplastic Syndromes

Paraneoplastic syndromes occur when tumors produce hormone-like substances. This can lead to abnormal hormonal effects, like low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or high calcium levels (hypercalcemia).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Histologic Examination for Diagnosis

Histologic examination is the most important way to diagnose cancer. This involves examining tissue samples under a microscope to identify abnormal cells.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Mechanisms of Cancer Spread, Grading, and Staging

  • ILOS: Students will be able to delineate pathways of spread related to tumor subtypes and correlate tumor grading/staging with prognosis.

Pathways of Cancer Spread

  • Direct spread: Tumors invade nearby structures due to lack of a capsule.
  • Lymphatic spread: Tumor cells travel to regional lymph nodes (and throughout the body) through lymphatic vessels. Lymph nodes draining tumors are often enlarged, potentially from metastatic cells or reactive hyperplasia. Biopsy of the sentinel lymph node can assess metastasis. Carcinomas commonly metastasize via lymphatics before hematogenous spread.
  • Hematogenous spread: Common in sarcomas and some carcinomas (e.g., renal). Tumor cells travel through the bloodstream, often preferentially through veins due to thinner walls compared to arteries. Common metastatic sites include lungs and liver, following venous flow patterns.
  • Seeding of body cavities and surfaces (Transcoelomic spread): Cancer cells disperse into the peritoneal, pleural, pericardial, or joint spaces. Often seen in ovarian cancer. Pseudomyxoma peritonei is a mucus-secreting appendiceal carcinoma that can fill the abdominal cavity with a gelatinous mass.
  • Perineural spread: Cancer cells invade nerve tissue, often causing pain.

Mechanisms of Spread

  • Angiogenesis: Tumors require nutrients and waste removal, requiring new blood vessels (angiogenesis). Tumor vessels are often more dilated and permeable than normal blood vessels. Endothelial growth factors like VEGF and bFGF are involved in tumor angiogenesis.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Mechanisms of Cancer Spread, Grading, and Staging PDF

Description

This quiz covers the mechanisms of cancer spread, grading, and staging. Students will learn about direct invasion, lymphatic, hematogenous spread, and how these pathways relate to tumor prognosis. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for correlating tumor characteristics with patient outcomes.

More Like This

Lymphatic Spread in Tumor Sites Quiz
15 questions

Lymphatic Spread in Tumor Sites Quiz

DesirableIodine avatar
DesirableIodine
Neoplasia: Mechanisms and Routes of Tumor Spread
30 questions

Neoplasia: Mechanisms and Routes of Tumor Spread

AdjustableDallas avatar
AdjustableDallas
Understanding Tumors and Cancer Spread
48 questions

Understanding Tumors and Cancer Spread

IndustriousAmethyst1095 avatar
IndustriousAmethyst1095
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser