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Questions and Answers
What suffix is used to denote benign tumors?
What suffix is used to denote benign tumors?
Which of the following are characteristics of malignant tumors?
Which of the following are characteristics of malignant tumors?
In the nomenclature of tumors, which term refers to tumors derived from connective tissue?
In the nomenclature of tumors, which term refers to tumors derived from connective tissue?
What is a common systemic effect associated with malignant tumors?
What is a common systemic effect associated with malignant tumors?
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Which diagnostic test is commonly associated with breast and ovarian cancer detection?
Which diagnostic test is commonly associated with breast and ovarian cancer detection?
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What process refers to the formation of new blood vessels in tumors?
What process refers to the formation of new blood vessels in tumors?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of benign tumors?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of benign tumors?
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What effect do tumors have in paraneoplastic syndrome?
What effect do tumors have in paraneoplastic syndrome?
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Regular self-examinations are important for which purpose?
Regular self-examinations are important for which purpose?
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Which of the following statements about malignant tumors is TRUE?
Which of the following statements about malignant tumors is TRUE?
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What is the purpose of staging cancer?
What is the purpose of staging cancer?
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What is the process by which cancer cells spread to distant sites?
What is the process by which cancer cells spread to distant sites?
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What does the 'M' in the TNM system represent?
What does the 'M' in the TNM system represent?
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Which of the following is a risk factor for cancer?
Which of the following is a risk factor for cancer?
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What is the purpose of radiation therapy in cancer treatment?
What is the purpose of radiation therapy in cancer treatment?
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What is a common adverse effect of chemotherapy?
What is a common adverse effect of chemotherapy?
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What is the term for a cancer-free state generally defined as 5-year survival without recurrence?
What is the term for a cancer-free state generally defined as 5-year survival without recurrence?
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Which type of cancer has an excellent prognosis, with limited exceptions?
Which type of cancer has an excellent prognosis, with limited exceptions?
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What is the term for the process of carcinogens being transferred into cancer cells?
What is the term for the process of carcinogens being transferred into cancer cells?
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What is the purpose of immunotherapy in cancer treatment?
What is the purpose of immunotherapy in cancer treatment?
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What does 'T' represent in the TNM staging system?
What does 'T' represent in the TNM staging system?
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Which of the following is an example of direct local spread of a tumor?
Which of the following is an example of direct local spread of a tumor?
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What is a common risk factor for developing cancer?
What is a common risk factor for developing cancer?
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Which treatment method may cause mutations or alterations in a patient's target DNA?
Which treatment method may cause mutations or alterations in a patient's target DNA?
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Which adverse effect is specifically associated with radiation therapy?
Which adverse effect is specifically associated with radiation therapy?
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Which cancer treatment approach is primarily aimed at reducing pain in late-stage cancers?
Which cancer treatment approach is primarily aimed at reducing pain in late-stage cancers?
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In terms of prognosis, which cancer type is known for its poor outcomes due to its hidden nature?
In terms of prognosis, which cancer type is known for its poor outcomes due to its hidden nature?
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What factor can lead to increased risk of infection during chemotherapy?
What factor can lead to increased risk of infection during chemotherapy?
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What dietary change can help reduce the risk of cancer?
What dietary change can help reduce the risk of cancer?
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What is indicated by the term 'nadir' in the context of chemotherapy?
What is indicated by the term 'nadir' in the context of chemotherapy?
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Which characteristic differentiates malignant tumors from benign tumors?
Which characteristic differentiates malignant tumors from benign tumors?
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What factor can indicate the presence of a tumor based on calcium levels?
What factor can indicate the presence of a tumor based on calcium levels?
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Which term describes the process by which tumors stimulate the formation of blood vessels?
Which term describes the process by which tumors stimulate the formation of blood vessels?
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Which is a common systemic effect associated with malignant tumors?
Which is a common systemic effect associated with malignant tumors?
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What is the common method of diagnosing the nature of a tumor?
What is the common method of diagnosing the nature of a tumor?
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In the nomenclature of tumors, what does the suffix -oma signify?
In the nomenclature of tumors, what does the suffix -oma signify?
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What is one of the warning signs of cancer that requires further investigation?
What is one of the warning signs of cancer that requires further investigation?
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What occurs when cells undergo mutation leading to cancer?
What occurs when cells undergo mutation leading to cancer?
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What is a significant feature of malignant tumors in terms of tissue interaction?
What is a significant feature of malignant tumors in terms of tissue interaction?
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What are paraneoplastic syndromes primarily associated with?
What are paraneoplastic syndromes primarily associated with?
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Benign tumors do not spread into surrounding tissue.
Benign tumors do not spread into surrounding tissue.
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Malignant tumors are characterized by a lack of control over mitosis.
Malignant tumors are characterized by a lack of control over mitosis.
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Tumors with the suffix -sarcoma are benign.
Tumors with the suffix -sarcoma are benign.
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Angiogenesis refers to the degeneration of blood vessels.
Angiogenesis refers to the degeneration of blood vessels.
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Paraneoplastic syndrome only affects the digestive system.
Paraneoplastic syndrome only affects the digestive system.
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Malignant tumors can sometimes be detected through the measurement of tumor markers in blood tests.
Malignant tumors can sometimes be detected through the measurement of tumor markers in blood tests.
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All tumors are classified as either malignant or benign, but not both.
All tumors are classified as either malignant or benign, but not both.
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Weight loss and cachexia are common systemic effects of malignant tumors.
Weight loss and cachexia are common systemic effects of malignant tumors.
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The presence of increased calcium levels can serve as an indicator of a tumor.
The presence of increased calcium levels can serve as an indicator of a tumor.
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BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genetic tests specifically used to detect skin cancer.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genetic tests specifically used to detect skin cancer.
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The TMN system is commonly used to stage cancer.
The TMN system is commonly used to stage cancer.
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Bone marrow depression is a potential adverse effect of radiation therapy.
Bone marrow depression is a potential adverse effect of radiation therapy.
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Carcinogenesis refers to the process of carcinogens being transferred into healthy cells.
Carcinogenesis refers to the process of carcinogens being transferred into healthy cells.
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Cancer-free status is generally defined as a 10-year survival without recurrence.
Cancer-free status is generally defined as a 10-year survival without recurrence.
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Adverse effects of chemotherapy can include nausea and hair loss.
Adverse effects of chemotherapy can include nausea and hair loss.
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Immunotherapy primarily aims to kill cancer cells directly.
Immunotherapy primarily aims to kill cancer cells directly.
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Ovarian cancer typically has a poor prognosis due to its hidden nature.
Ovarian cancer typically has a poor prognosis due to its hidden nature.
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Regular medical examinations can help reduce the risk of cancer.
Regular medical examinations can help reduce the risk of cancer.
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Some cancers have well-established risk factors, including environmental and hereditary elements.
Some cancers have well-established risk factors, including environmental and hereditary elements.
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Diet high in fiber and low in fats may help reduce the risk of cancer.
Diet high in fiber and low in fats may help reduce the risk of cancer.
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Study Notes
Cancer
- Cancer is an overgrowth of cells that can lead to a mass of abnormal cells, known as a tumor or neoplasm.
- Tumors can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Characteristics of Tumors
- Benign tumors:
- Have a tissue name plus the suffix –oma (e.g., adenoma)
- Encapsulated
- Malignant tumors (cancers):
- Have a tissue name plus the suffix –carcinoma (e.g., adenocarcinoma)
- Rapid reproduction
- Infiltrate or spread into surrounding tissue
- Lack control of mitosis and do not undergo apoptosis
- No normal organization or differentiation
- No contact inhibition
- Abnormal cell membranes
- Altered surface antigens
- Do not adhere to each other
- Often break loose from mass
- Can invade other tissues and may spread to distant sites
Warning Signs of Cancer
- Weight loss and cachexia
- Generalized weakness
- Sunken skin and wasting away
- Paraneoplastic syndrome (tumors release substances that affect neurological function and may have hormonal effects)
Diagnostic Tests
- BRCA1 and BRCA2 (genetic tests for breast or ovarian cancer)
- Biopsy (sample of tissue to determine if benign or malignant)
- Routine screening (essential for early detection and monitoring after treatment)
- Self-examination (early detection if done consistently, especially for breast, testicular, and skin cancers)
- Blood tests (measure blood cell levels during treatment and may detect tumor markers, e.g., PSA test)
- Radiographic, ultrasound, MRI, and CT (methods of visualizing changes in tissues or organs)
Spread of Malignant Tumors
- Invasion (local spread into adjacent tissues)
- Metastasis (spread to distant sites via blood, lymph, or other body fluids)
Staging Cancer
- Essential for standardizing comparative studies of treatments and outcomes
- Uses the TNM system:
- T (tumor): size of the primary tumor
- N (lymph nodes): involvement of regional lymph nodes
- M (metastasis): spread of tumor (metastasis)
Carcinogenesis
- Process of carcinogens that are transferred into cancer cells
- Environmental effects (change in gene expression)
- Hereditary (in some cases)
- Infection (in some cases, e.g., cervical and hepatic cancers)
Risk Factors
- Radiation (increased risk with higher cumulative dosage)
- Chemicals (check for health and safety information)
- Biological factors (chronic irritation and inflammation, age, diet, hormones)
- Risk reduction:
- Limit UV exposure
- Regular medical and dental examinations
- Self-examination
- Diet (increased fiber content, reduced fats, antioxidants)
Treatment
- Depends on specific cancer and health of the client
- Surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these
- Palliative treatment to reduce pain in late-stage cancers
- CHEMO: killing cancer cells
- IMMUNOTHERAPY: suppressing cancer
- Radiation therapy:
- May be used alone or combined with other therapies
- Causes mutations or alterations in target DNA
- Most effective in rapidly dividing cells
- Some types of cancers are radioresistant There are various methods of administration, including external sources (e.g., cobalt machine) and internal insertion of radioactive material at the tumor
Adverse Effects of Radiation
- Bone marrow depression
- Decreased leukocytes (increased risk of infection)
- Decreased erythrocytes (fatigue, tissue breakdown)
- Decreased platelets (excessive bleeding)
- Infertility (caused by abdominal radiation)
- Nonspecific fatigue and lethargy (can lead to mental depression)
Adverse Effects of Chemotherapy
- Bone marrow depression
- Nausea
- Epithelial cell change
- Hair loss
- Breakdown of skin and mucosa
- Damage to specific areas (e.g., fibrosis in the lungs, damage to myocardial cells, kidney damage)
- Skin changes (skin to the affected area will look different)
Nutrition
- Patients with advanced cancer are often malnourished
- Contributing factors:
- Change in taste sensation
- Anorexia
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea from treatments
- Sore mouth or loss of teeth
- Pain and fatigue
- Malabsorption caused by inflammation in the digestive tract
Prognosis
- Cancer-free state generally defined as 5-year survival without recurrence
- Some cancers (e.g., childhood leukemias) can be considered cured after a 10-year, cancer-free period
- Remission: no clinical signs of cancer, but client may experience several remissions
- Life expectancy and death rates for specific cancers vary
Examples of Malignant Tumors
- Skin cancer: visible, easily diagnosed, and treated; excellent prognosis, except for malignant melanoma
- Ovarian cancer: poor prognosis due to hidden nature of cancer; high mortality rates
- Brain tumors: both benign and malignant tumors are life-threatening due to compression of brain tissue; primary tumor usually fatal, thus, no metastasis
- Basal cell carcinoma: one of the fastest-spreading tumors in the body
Cancer Overview
- Cancer involves the uncontrolled growth of cells due to mutations.
- Neoplasms refer to tumors, which can be benign or malignant.
- Benign tumors are named with the tissue type followed by "-oma" (e.g., adenoma).
- Malignant tumors are referred to with the tissue type followed by "-carcinoma" (e.g., adenocarcinomas) and have the potential to spread.
Tumor Characteristics
- Benign tumors are encapsulated and do not infiltrate surrounding tissues.
- Malignant tumors reproduce rapidly, invade nearby tissues, and often metastasize to distant sites.
- Characteristics of malignant tumors include lack of mitosis control, no apoptosis, abnormal cell membranes, altered surface antigens, and loss of contact inhibition.
Angiogenesis and Nutrition
- Angiogenesis refers to the development of new blood vessels; certain tumor cells secrete growth factors that facilitate this process.
- Elevated calcium levels may indicate tumor presence, as some tumors secrete calcium.
Warning Signs and Diagnosis
- Systemic effects of malignant tumors can include weight loss, weakness, and cachexia.
- Warning signs also encompass abnormal skin and significant appetite loss.
- Diagnostic tests include BRCA1 and BRCA2 for breast/ovarian cancer, biopsies, routine screenings, and self-examinations for early detection.
- Blood tests can reveal tumor markers (e.g., PSA test) indicating specific cancer types.
Tumor Spread Methods
- Local spread occurs when tumor cells invade adjacent tissues (e.g., uterine carcinoma spreading to the vagina).
- Metastasis involves tumor cells spreading to distant locations through blood or lymphatic systems (e.g., colon carcinoma spreading to the liver).
Cancer Staging
- Cancer staging assesses the extent of disease to guide treatment and prognosis using the TMN system:
- T (tumor) for size of the primary tumor,
- N (lymph nodes) for regional lymph node involvement,
- M (metastasis) for spread to distant sites.
Carcinogenesis and Risk Factors
- Carcinogenesis involves environmental factors contributing to mutations leading to cancer.
- Established risk factors include radiation exposure, chemical exposure (e.g., asbestos, heavy metals), chronic inflammation, age, and diet.
- Protective measures include limiting sun exposure, regular health check-ups, and maintaining a nutritious diet rich in antioxidants.
Cancer Treatment Modalities
- Treatment options vary by cancer type and may include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation.
- Treatment effectiveness hinges on cancer stage and patient health. Some treatments may lead to remission and potential cure.
- Palliative care may be administered for symptom management in advanced stages.
Radiation Therapy
- Radiation therapy can target rapidly dividing cancer cells, and may be delivered through external or internal methods.
- Adverse effects include bone marrow depression, fatigue, tissue damage, and infertility from abdominal radiation.
Chemotherapy Side Effects
- Chemotherapy can cause bone marrow depression, nausea, hair loss, and damage to various organs.
- Nadir refers to the lowest blood cell count during treatment, with regular blood tests required to monitor health.
Nutritional Considerations
- Malnutrition is common in advanced cancer patients, influenced by taste changes, loss of appetite, vomiting, and pain.
- Increased fiber intake and consumption of fruits and vegetables can improve overall health.
Prognosis and Remission
- A cancer-free state is typically defined as a five-year survival without recurrence. Some types may consider a ten-year cancer-free period as a cure.
- Remission refers to the absence of clinical signs of cancer, with many patients experiencing multiple remissions over their lives.
Types of Malignant Tumors
- Skin cancer is highly visible and often easily treated but can be deadly in cases like melanoma.
- Ovarian cancer often has a poor prognosis due to its asymptomatic progression.
- Brain tumors, whether benign or malignant, threaten life by compressing brain tissue.
- Basal cell carcinoma is among the fastest spreading tumors in the body.
Cancer Overview
- Cancer involves the uncontrolled growth of cells due to mutations.
- Neoplasms refer to tumors, which can be benign or malignant.
- Benign tumors are named with the tissue type followed by "-oma" (e.g., adenoma).
- Malignant tumors are referred to with the tissue type followed by "-carcinoma" (e.g., adenocarcinomas) and have the potential to spread.
Tumor Characteristics
- Benign tumors are encapsulated and do not infiltrate surrounding tissues.
- Malignant tumors reproduce rapidly, invade nearby tissues, and often metastasize to distant sites.
- Characteristics of malignant tumors include lack of mitosis control, no apoptosis, abnormal cell membranes, altered surface antigens, and loss of contact inhibition.
Angiogenesis and Nutrition
- Angiogenesis refers to the development of new blood vessels; certain tumor cells secrete growth factors that facilitate this process.
- Elevated calcium levels may indicate tumor presence, as some tumors secrete calcium.
Warning Signs and Diagnosis
- Systemic effects of malignant tumors can include weight loss, weakness, and cachexia.
- Warning signs also encompass abnormal skin and significant appetite loss.
- Diagnostic tests include BRCA1 and BRCA2 for breast/ovarian cancer, biopsies, routine screenings, and self-examinations for early detection.
- Blood tests can reveal tumor markers (e.g., PSA test) indicating specific cancer types.
Tumor Spread Methods
- Local spread occurs when tumor cells invade adjacent tissues (e.g., uterine carcinoma spreading to the vagina).
- Metastasis involves tumor cells spreading to distant locations through blood or lymphatic systems (e.g., colon carcinoma spreading to the liver).
Cancer Staging
- Cancer staging assesses the extent of disease to guide treatment and prognosis using the TMN system:
- T (tumor) for size of the primary tumor,
- N (lymph nodes) for regional lymph node involvement,
- M (metastasis) for spread to distant sites.
Carcinogenesis and Risk Factors
- Carcinogenesis involves environmental factors contributing to mutations leading to cancer.
- Established risk factors include radiation exposure, chemical exposure (e.g., asbestos, heavy metals), chronic inflammation, age, and diet.
- Protective measures include limiting sun exposure, regular health check-ups, and maintaining a nutritious diet rich in antioxidants.
Cancer Treatment Modalities
- Treatment options vary by cancer type and may include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation.
- Treatment effectiveness hinges on cancer stage and patient health. Some treatments may lead to remission and potential cure.
- Palliative care may be administered for symptom management in advanced stages.
Radiation Therapy
- Radiation therapy can target rapidly dividing cancer cells, and may be delivered through external or internal methods.
- Adverse effects include bone marrow depression, fatigue, tissue damage, and infertility from abdominal radiation.
Chemotherapy Side Effects
- Chemotherapy can cause bone marrow depression, nausea, hair loss, and damage to various organs.
- Nadir refers to the lowest blood cell count during treatment, with regular blood tests required to monitor health.
Nutritional Considerations
- Malnutrition is common in advanced cancer patients, influenced by taste changes, loss of appetite, vomiting, and pain.
- Increased fiber intake and consumption of fruits and vegetables can improve overall health.
Prognosis and Remission
- A cancer-free state is typically defined as a five-year survival without recurrence. Some types may consider a ten-year cancer-free period as a cure.
- Remission refers to the absence of clinical signs of cancer, with many patients experiencing multiple remissions over their lives.
Types of Malignant Tumors
- Skin cancer is highly visible and often easily treated but can be deadly in cases like melanoma.
- Ovarian cancer often has a poor prognosis due to its asymptomatic progression.
- Brain tumors, whether benign or malignant, threaten life by compressing brain tissue.
- Basal cell carcinoma is among the fastest spreading tumors in the body.
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Description
Test your knowledge of tumor characteristics, diagnosis, and related medical concepts. Covers benign and malignant tumors, tissue types, and diagnostic tests.
