Oncology Nursing: Cancer Overview

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Questions and Answers

What characterizes labile cells during the cell cycle?

They continuously undergo division. (correct)

They divide slowly and infrequently.

They are found only in mature tissues.

They do not divide at all.

Which process is primarily responsible for cell growth during the cell cycle?

Apoptosis

Cell Differentiation

Interphase (correct)

Mitosis

Which of the following actions commonly lead to malignant transformation in cells?

Decreased DNA synthesis

Stimulation of apoptosis

Increased production of growth factors (correct)

Normal expression of tumor suppressor genes

What is one role of caretaker genes in cancer development?

Control mutation rates and maintain genomic stability Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental change in malignancy allows cancer cells to evade apoptosis?

Alterations in p53 gene function Signup and view all the answers

How do defects in DNA repair contribute to the risk of developing cancer?

They allow for the accumulation of genetic mutations. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of stable cells in the context of the cell cycle?

They divide infrequently and only when needed. Signup and view all the answers

What does limitless replication potential refer to in the context of tumor cells?

Cells can replicate indefinitely through telomere lengthening. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes malignant tumors in terms of growth patterns?

Erratic and uncontrolled growth Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a hallmark of malignant neoplasia?

Anaplasia Signup and view all the answers

Benign tumors can be identified by which characteristics?

Well-differentiated and encapsulated Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cells undergo dysplasia before potentially becoming cancerous?

Abnormal cells Signup and view all the answers

The term 'metastasis' refers specifically to which process?

Spread of cancer cells to distant organs Signup and view all the answers

In the context of cancer etiology, what is one major contributing factor to the mutation of normal cells?

Environmental factors Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly differentiates well-differentiated from undifferentiated cells?

Well-differentiated cells resemble normal cells; undifferentiated do not. Signup and view all the answers

What does encapsulation indicate about tumor characteristics?

The tumor is benign. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of tumor suppressor genes in cancer development?

To act as an off switch for cell proliferation Signup and view all the answers

Which process describes the formation of new blood vessels to supply tumors?

Angiogenesis Signup and view all the answers

What common mechanism allows cancer cells to evade the immune system?

Formation of tumor cell emboli Signup and view all the answers

How can lifestyle modifications influence cancer risk?

By reducing exposure to modifiable risk factors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a malignant tumor's ability to spread?

They can metastasize through lymphatic and hematogenous routes Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'clonal expansion' in the context of cancer?

The rapid proliferation of identical cancer cells Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the initial stages of the metastatic cascade?

Blood vessels arise to supply the tumor cells Signup and view all the answers

Which event is characterized by the failure of apoptosis in cancer progression?

Alteration of genes regulating apoptosis Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Week 15 - Oncology Nursing: Cancer

Cancer is a complex of diseases where normal cells mutate into abnormal cells, harming and destroying the host.
Key characteristics of cancer include uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells, proliferation (rapid cell division), and metastasis (spread to other organs).
Oncology is the branch of medicine that studies, detects, treats, and manages cancer and neoplasia.
Neoplasia involves uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells; benign tumors are well-differentiated, slow-growing, encapsulated, and non-invasive; malignant tumors are undifferentiated, show erratic growth, are invasive, and metastasize.
Benign tumors have a low malignant potential and are difficult to detect.
Malignant tumors are characterized by anaplasia (hallmark of neoplasm), meaning abnormal or non-functional cells).

Tumor Naming & Classifcation

Tumors are named according to their origin (cell type) and structure. Naming suffixes are used (e.g., -oma, -carcinoma, -sarcomas), used for benign or malignant tumors.
Examples: hepatoma (liver), osteoma (bone), myoma (muscle).

The Cell Cycle

Cells grow and divide in a cyclic manner
amount of time required for a cell to go from one mitosis to another is called the Cell Cycle Time
cells have different characteristics throughout the cycle (labiles, stable, permanent), the time for the cell to double is called doubling time.

Cancer Theories

Cellular transformation and derangement: Normal cells can be transformed into cancer cells due to exposure to different external factors such as chemical, viruses, radiation, or other environmental hazards.
Specifically, other malignant transformations result from activation of oncogenes or inactivation of tumor suppressor genes.

Fundamental Changes in Malignancy

Self-sufficiency in growth signals: Tumors can proliferate without external stimuli and produce growth factors.
Insensitivity to growth inhibitory signals: Tumor suppressor genes do not inhibit cell growth effectively, allowing uncontrolled growth.
Evasion of apoptosis: Cancer cells can avoid programmed cell death.
Defects in DNA repair: Errors in DNA repair mechanisms can result in DNA damage or instability.
Limitless replication potential: Cancer cells have the ability to divide continuously, despite normal cells only dividing a certain number of times.

How Cancer Spreads

Most common routes include lymphatic, hematogenous, and direct spread.
Malignant tumors can metastasize by invading nearby tissues or spreading through the bloodstream or lymph (metastasis cascade).

Cancer Warning Signs

Unusual bleeding or discharge, Lumps, thickening, or changes in moles/warts, indigestion, difficulty in swallowing, hoarseness, unexplained anemia, or weight loss.

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts in oncology nursing, focusing on cancer characteristics, tumor classification, and the differences between benign and malignant tumors. Understand the complexities of cancer as a disease and its implications in medical treatment and management.