Neoplasia and Cancer Basics

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Questions and Answers

What are acquired gene mutations primarily responsible for?

Inherent genetic disorders

Infectious diseases

All forms of genetic diseases

The majority of cancer cases (correct)

What is the nature of sporadic cancer?

It affects individuals only in their childhood

It occurs due to environmental factors exclusively

It is caused by acquired mutations in a person's lifetime (correct)

It is inherited from parents

Which of the following tumors is classified as a type of skin cancer?

Adamantinoma of the jaw

Astrocytoma of the brain

Basal cell carcinoma of the skin (correct)

Craniopharyngioma of the pituitary gland

Which statement accurately describes acquired gene mutations?

They result from damage to genes during an individual's life Signup and view all the answers

Which tumor type is specifically associated with the appendix?

Carcinoid tumor Signup and view all the answers

How do acquired mutations differ from other genetic mutations?

Acquired mutations happen during an individual's life rather than being inherited Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cancer is primarily associated with acquired gene mutations?

Sporadic cancer Signup and view all the answers

What type of tumor is an adamantinoma?

Jaw tumor Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tumors primarily affects the brain?

Astrocytoma Signup and view all the answers

Which tumor is located in the pituitary gland region?

Craniopharyngioma Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic allows tumor cells to give rise to all cell types found in the tumor?

Tumorigenic nature Signup and view all the answers

What does self-renewal in tumor cells imply about their proliferative capabilities?

They possess unlimited proliferative capacity. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes a minor population within tumor cells?

They are responsible for drug resistance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of tumors of unknown behavior?

Their behavior cannot be determined based on available data. Signup and view all the answers

Why are some tumor cells able to resist treatment with drugs and radiation?

They have developed inherent resistance mechanisms. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tumors arise from epithelial cells?

Epithelial tumors Signup and view all the answers

What does cell stress resistance indicate about tumor cells?

They can survive adverse conditions better than normal cells. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic does NOT apply to tumors of unknown behavior?

Their treatment options are clearly defined. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common source for the classification of tumors based on their tissue of origin?

Histological examination Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes epithelial tumors?

They develop from cells lining organs and glands. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic distinguishes cancer cells from normal cells?

Cancer cells ignore apoptotic signals. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the specialization of cancer cells is accurate?

Cancer cells are less specialized than normal cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common trait of cancer cells in relation to growth signals?

Cancer cells can proliferate without external growth signals. Signup and view all the answers

How do cancer cells typically respond to apoptosis compared to normal cells?

Cancer cells ignore signals to undergo apoptosis. Signup and view all the answers

In what way do cancer cells differ from normal cells regarding their life cycle?

Cancer cells can bypass normal cell cycle checkpoints. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'In Situ' refer to in the context of tumors?

Tumors that are localized and have not invaded surrounding tissues. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a malignant tumor?

It grows uncontrollably and has the potential to spread. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding malignant tumors?

They have a high potential for metastasis. Signup and view all the answers

How do 'In Situ' tumors differ from malignant tumors?

In Situ tumors remain localized, while malignant tumors can invade tissues. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main risk associated with malignant tumors?

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

Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Neoplasia (Tumors)

A tumor is a new growth of tissue, often forming a mass. A malignant neoplasm is cancer.
Neoplasia means "new growth" (neo-plasia).

Cancer

Cancer is uncontrolled cell division of genetically abnormal cells that spread locally and to distant sites.
Cancer development involves an interaction between environmental factors and a susceptible host.
Normal cells divide as needed, attach to other cells, stay in place, and commit suicide (apoptosis) when no longer needed. Cancer cells do not stop dividing, detach, and can invade other tissues.

Cancer Cell vs. Normal Cell Differences

Cancer cells lack specialization compared to normal cells.
Cancer cells ignore programmed cell death (apoptosis) signals.
Cancer cells impact the surrounding tissue (microenvironment) and may evade the immune system.

Cancer Causes (DNA Damage)

Environmental factors (e.g., tobacco, radiation, UV rays, viruses).
Endogenous causes (e.g., reactive oxygen species (ROS), metabolic processes).
Random DNA Replication Errors
Protective measures (DNA repair enzymes, apoptosis) are often bypassed in cancerous cells.

Gene Mutations

Gene mutations permanently alter DNA, leading to abnormal proteins or preventing proper protein formation.
Acquired mutations are most common, occurring during a person's lifetime. Sporadic cancers result.
Germline mutations are less common, inheritable (from parent to child), and related to inherited cancers, which account for 5% - 20% of cancers.

Genes Linked to Cancer

Tumor Suppressor Genes: Protect by monitoring cell division, repairing DNA, and regulating apoptosis. Recessive mutations diminish their function, leading to cancer.
Oncogenes: Genes that promote cell growth. Dominant mutations increase their function, leading to uncontrolled growth & cancer.

Classification of Tumors

Behavior: Benign (slow growth, no spread), In Situ (localized), Malignant (uncontrolled, spreads), Unknown.
Tissue of Origin: Epithelial (cells lining organs, glands), Connective tissue (bone, cartilage, fat).

Microscopic Criteria of Malignant Cells

Undifferentiated cells (anaplastic): Lacking normal tissue characteristics.
Atypical/pleomorphic: Varying in size and shape.
Hyperchromasia: Darker, increased DNA content in the nucleus.
Increased N/C ratio: Larger nucleus compared to cytoplasm.
Prominent nucleoli: Larger nucleoli in the nucleus.
Loss of polarity: Disorganized arrangement.
Abnormal Mitosis: Irregular cell divisions.

Methods of Spread of Malignant Tumors

Local invasion: Tumors spread directly into surrounding tissues.
Blood spread: Tumors enter blood vessels to spread to other parts of the body, forming emboli.
Lymphatic spread: Tumors travel via lymphatic vessels to regional lymph nodes.

Transcoelomic Implantation

Spread of tumors through body cavities like the peritoneum.

Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs)

Stem cells within tumors.
Drive tumor formation and recurrence.
Less common but highly tumorigenic.

Important Tumor Characteristics

Angiogenesis (blood vessel formation) is crucial for tumor growth.
Tumors secrete factors to promote angiogenesis, bypass the normal regulation, and form new blood vessels to feed the tumor, leading to tumor growth and metastasis.

Papilloma

Benign epithelial tumors, associated with HPV. Grossly appear as cauliflower-like growths.

Adenoma

Benign tumor originating from glandular tissue. Present as a rounded or polypoid growth.

Carcinoma

Malignant epithelial tumor. Grossly appears as a fungating/polypoid mass, or infiltrating or ulcerative.

Teratoma

Tumor of embryonic germ cells. Consists of tissues from multiple germ layers.

Hamartoma

Focal malformation with abnormal tissue mixture.

Para-neoplastic Syndromes

Disorders caused by tumor-produced substances (e.g., hormones, cytokines). Examples include Cushing syndrome and hypercalcemia.

Growth Disturbances

Hyperplasia: Increased cell number.
Hypertrophy: Increased cell size.
Atrophy: Decreased organ size/cell size.
Metaplasia: Change in one tissue type to another.
Dysplasia: Abnormal cellular development.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of neoplasia and cancer, including the characteristics of tumors and the differences between cancer cells and normal cells. It also explores the causes of cancer, emphasizing the role of environmental factors and DNA damage in its development.