Neoplasms and Cancer Nomenclature

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Questions and Answers

What defines a malignant neoplasm?

It can be benign if it remains localized and does not spread.

It is a cancerous growth that can invade surrounding tissues and spread throughout the body. (correct)

It is always larger than a benign neoplasm.

It is a non-cancerous growth that does not invade surrounding tissues.

Which suffix is used to classify benign tumors?

-carcinoma

-oma (correct)

-itis

-sarcoma

What is a shared characteristic of cancer cells?

They do not undergo Darwinian selection.

They only experience genetic mutations when symptomatic.

Genetic alterations can be inherited and influence daughter cells. (correct)

They are always more effective at healing than normal cells.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of malignant tumors?

They are typically localized to one area without spreading. Signup and view all the answers

How are tumors classified based on their tissue origin?

Benign tumors use '-oma' while malignant tumors use '-sarcoma' or '-carcinoma'. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'oncology' refer to?

The study of tumors. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about tumors?

All tumors are considered cancerous. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes cancer from general tumors?

Cancer refers specifically to malignant neoplasms that proliferate and metastasize. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'carcinoma in situ' refer to?

A precancerous condition where abnormal cells are present but confined. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of stroma in relation to cancer cells?

It provides nutrients and support necessary for cancer cell proliferation. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the term 'more parenchymal' in tumor consistency?

A greater number of cancer cells stimulating the growth of stroma. Signup and view all the answers

How does the stroma influence the firmness of a tumor?

A denser stroma provides a firmer, more resistant tumor consistency. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes a malignant tumor from a benign tumor?

Invasive capability and the potential to metastasize. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary indicator of malignancy among tumors?

Metastasis. Signup and view all the answers

Which option correctly describes benign tumors?

They typically have clear boundaries. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes cells that divide uncontrollably and form a tumor?

Parenchyma. Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the lack of differentiation in tumor cells, often a hallmark of malignancy?

Anaplasia Signup and view all the answers

Which feature distinguishes benign tumors from malignant tumors?

Well-defined boundary Signup and view all the answers

What is the first regional lymph node that receives lymph flow from a primary tumor called?

Sentinel lymph node Signup and view all the answers

What is typically true about well-differentiated malignant tumors?

They may still exhibit local invasion. Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the spread of cancer cells through the bloodstream?

Hematogenous spread Signup and view all the answers

Dysplasia primarily indicates a condition where cells are:

Abnormally arranged but still contained Signup and view all the answers

Malignant tumors frequently exhibit which of the following characteristics?

Pleomorphism Signup and view all the answers

What does carcinoma in situ signify?

Early stage of cancer without invasion Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tumor is most likely to spread through the lymphatic system?

Carcinomas Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following traits can signify severe dysplasia?

Abnormal size and shape cells Signup and view all the answers

Which of these cancers primarily spreads through the bloodstream?

Sarcoma Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic of benign tumors?

They consist of well-differentiated cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of stroma in a tumor?

To provide structural support and nutrients Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tumors is classified as a benign tumor?

Fibroma Signup and view all the answers

Which suffix is typically used to denote a benign tumor?

-oma Signup and view all the answers

What type of tumor is classified as a malignant tumor arising from mesenchymal tissue?

Sarcoma Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes mixed tumors from other tumor types?

They contain cells from more than one type of tissue. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a malignant tumor that does not follow the typical naming convention?

Melanoma Signup and view all the answers

What type of carcinoma forms gland-like structures?

Adenocarcinoma Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a teratoma?

A benign tumor containing tissues from all three germ layers Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a pleomorphic adenoma?

It has both epithelial and mesenchymal components. Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to a mass of disorganized, normal tissue found in the location where the tumor arises?

Hamartoma Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following defines a carcinoma?

A malignant tumor derived from epithelial cells Signup and view all the answers

What type of blood-forming cell tumor is characterized as malignant?

Lymphoma Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a hamartoma and a choristoma?

Hamartomas arise from neoplastic changes, while choristomas are normal tissue. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tumor can contain tissues from multiple germ layers?

Teratoma Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Neoplasms and Nomenclature

Neoplasms are abnormal tissue growths, either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Benign neoplasms do not spread and are usually not life-threatening, though they can cause problems if growing large.
Malignant neoplasms spread and invade, posing a serious threat to life; an example is melanoma.
Tumor and neoplasm are often used interchangeably; a tumor is any abnormal tissue growth, while a neoplasm is abnormally growing cells.

Shared Characteristics of Cancer

Cancer is a genetic disorder.
DNA mutations are inheritable, allowing cancer cells to proliferate and survive.
Genetic and epigenetic changes give cancer cells "cancer hallmarks" enabling uncontrolled growth, evasion of defenses, and metastasis.

Nomenclature of Neoplastic Diseases

Tumors are classified based on tissue origin:
- Benign tumors typically end in "-oma" (e.g., fibroma).
- Malignant tumors are named by tissue origin, with "-sarcoma" for mesenchymal (e.g., osteosarcoma) and "-carcinoma" for epithelial tumors (e.g., adenocarcinoma).

Basic Components of Tumors

Tumors have two main parts:
- Parenchyma: The transformed tumor cells (that determine tumor behavior).
- Stroma: The support tissue (connective tissue, blood vessels) for tumor growth.

Benign Tumors

Named with "-oma" suffix, based on cell or tissue type.
- Examples: Fibroma (fibrous tissue), Chondroma (cartilage), Adenoma (glandular epithelium).
- Other types include papillomas, polyps, and cystadenomas.

Malignant Tumors (Cancers)

Named differently from benign tumors.
- Sarcomas arise from mesenchymal tissues (e.g., liposarcoma, chondrosarcoma).
- Leukemias and lymphomas are blood cell cancers from hematopoietic or lymphatic systems.
- Carcinomas originate from epithelial cells (e.g., adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas).

Mixed Tumors

Contain cells from different tissue types (epithelial and mesenchymal).
- Examples: Pleomorphic adenoma (salivary gland), Fibroadenoma (breast).
- Teratomas arise from germ cells, containing multiple tissues.

Exceptions and Confusing Terminology

Some malignant tumors use the "-oma" suffix (e.g., lymphoma, melanoma, seminoma).
Hamartomas are masses of disorganized, normal tissue.
Choristomas are congenital tissue masses in abnormal locations.

Characteristics Differentiating Benign and Malignant Neoplasms

Differentiation (and Anaplasia)
- Benign: Well-differentiated cells.
- Malignant: Poorly differentiated (anaplastic) cells, with changes like pleomorphism and abnormal mitosis.
Local Invasion:
- Benign: Grow as cohesive units, often with a capsule.
- Malignant: Invade surrounding tissues, without clear boundaries.
Metastasis
- Benign: Do not spread to other organs.
- Malignant: Spread to distant organs (lymphatic or hematogenous spread)
Dysplasia and Carcinoma In Situ:
- Dysplasia: Disordered cell growth, but still confined.
- Carcinoma In Situ: Abnormal cells but haven't invaded surrounding tissues.
Tumor Consistency and Stroma:
- Tumor consistency (firmness) relates to the amount and density of stroma.

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Description

Explore the crucial concepts of neoplasms and their classification. This quiz delves into the differences between benign and malignant tumors, their shared characteristics with cancer, and the nomenclature used in defining neoplastic diseases. Test your knowledge on this important medical topic.