29 Questions
What term is used to describe cells that are significantly abnormal but not cancer?
Carcinoma in situ
Which term refers to the extent to which tumor cells resemble comparable normal cells in terms of functional maturity?
Differentiation
What characteristic of malignant neoplasms refers to the variation in size and shape, with some cells much larger or smaller than normal?
Pleomorphism
Which feature is associated with abundant mitosis and hyperchromatism in malignant neoplasms?
Anaplasia
What is a characteristic feature of malignant tumors in terms of local invasion?
Invasive, destroying normal surrounding tissue
Which aspect differentiates carcinoma 'in situ' from cancerous cells?
Intact basement membrane
What does the TNM system characterize in cancer staging?
Primary tumor, regional lymph node, and metastasis
What is the key focus of grading in cancer diagnosis?
Cell differentiation and rate of growth
Which stage of cancer is typically localized to one part of the body and considered curable?
Stage I
What factor determines the size of the primary tumor in the TNM system?
T grade
Which of the following is NOT a cause of cancer according to the text?
Insufficient sleep
How are carcinogens described in relation to cancer development?
Linked to mutations
What is a major difference between benign and malignant neoplasms?
Local invasion
Which characteristic is commonly associated with malignant tumors but not with benign tumors?
Presence of necrosis
In which type of tumor is metastasis more likely to occur?
Malignant tumor
Which component of a tumor is responsible for supportive tissue?
Stromal
From which type of tissue do sarcomas typically arise?
Mesenchymal tissue
Which type of tumor is more likely to metastasize via lymphatics in the early stage?
Carcinoma
What is the first event in the invasion of epithelial basement membranes by tumor cells?
Reduced adhesiveness causing detachment of tumor cells from each other
Which pathway is most commonly associated with carcinoma metastasis?
Lymphatic pathway
What is the basis for grading tumors according to the text?
Degree of differentiation and mitotic activity of tumor cells
Which type of tumors are classified as grade IV based on the text?
Low-grade tumors with marked atypia and high mitotic rates
What is the characteristic feature of a high-grade tumor as described in the text?
Marked atypia and high mitotic rates
In cancer staging (I - IV), what does the staging method determine according to the text?
Extent of spread of cancer in the body
Which factor has been identified as changing the direction of cancer research?
Stress
What is the role of Tumor Markers in cancer?
Act as a screening tool
Which family propensity is mentioned in relation to cancer susceptibility?
Increased risk of developing certain cancers
What is the primary function of Tumor Markers like Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)?
Monitoring of Treatment efficacy
How do cancer cells influence the immune system according to the text?
Suppress immune response against them
Study Notes
Connective Tissue
- Includes bone, cartilage, fat, etc.
- Examples: fibrous tissue, bone, liposarcoma, osteosarcoma
Carcinoma in Situ
- Cells are significantly abnormal but not cancerous
- Entire thickness of epithelium is replaced by atypical dysplastic cells
- Basement membrane is intact
- Can potentially become cancer
Characteristics of Malignant Neoplasms
- Differentiation: tumor cells resemble normal cells
- Pleomorphism: variation in size and shape
- Anaplasia: cellular and nuclear abnormalities
- Abundant mitosis
- Hyperchromatism: dark staining
- Loss of orientation: growth in haphazard fashion
- Rate of growth: rapid growth
- Local invasion: destruction of normal surrounding tissue
Stages of Cancer
- Stage I: localized to one part of the body, usually curable
- Stage IV: metastasized to other organs or throughout the body
Grading and Staging of Cancer
- Grading: based on cell differentiation and rate of growth
- Staging: based on progression or spread in the body
- TNM system: used for staging cancer, characterized by T (primary tumor), N (regional lymph node), and M (metastasis)
Causes of Cancer
- Ionizing radiation: X-rays, UV light
- Chemicals: benzene, arsenic, nitrosamine, tar from cigarettes
- Viral infections: papilloma virus, hepatitis B, C virus
- Hereditary predisposition: some families are more susceptible to certain cancers
- Stress: connection between stress, immune system, and cancer
Tumor Markers
- Normal proteins or hormones that increase in neoplasms
- Uses: screening, monitoring treatment efficacy, detecting recurrence
- Examples: prostate-specific antigen (PSA), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)
Benign vs. Malignant Neoplasms
- Benign: well-differentiated, local growth, no metastasis
- Malignant: poorly differentiated, invasive, metastasis possible
Types of Malignant Tumors
- Carcinoma: arises from epithelial and glandular tissue
- Sarcoma: arises from transformed cells of mesenchymal origin
Mechanism of Invasion
- Tumor cells detach from each other
- Secrete proteolytic enzymes, degrading the basement membrane
- Circulating tumor cells penetrate lymphatic or blood vessels
- Tumor cells re-penetrate vessel walls and multiply, forming secondary tumors
Test your knowledge on classifying neoplasms as benign or malignant based on characteristics such as differentiation, rate of growth, local invasion, and more.
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