Oncology Week 12: Tumors and Cell Division

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Questions and Answers

What is the term used to describe the process of abnormal cell growth that may lead to cancer?

Dysplasia

Neoplasia (correct)

Angiogenesis

Apoptosis

Which of the following processes is associated with the loss of differentiation and structural changes in cells?

Mitosis

Anaplasia (correct)

Dysplasia

Apoptosis

Which cancer type has the highest incidence among men in North America?

Lung cancer (correct)

Colorectal cancer

Breast cancer

Prostate cancer

What is the role of angiogenesis in tumor development?

Allows tumors to develop their own blood supply (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT associated with an increased risk of developing cancer?

Regular exercise (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for failure of the immune system to recognize cancer?

Tumors grow too large for the immune system to manage. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary prevention strategy to reduce the risk of cancer?

Receiving vaccines for HPV and hepatitis B. (B) Signup and view all the answers

At what age should individuals start getting mammograms if there is a family history of breast cancer?

At age 35. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of myelosuppression on the immune system after cancer treatment?

Higher risk for infection due to decreased WBC. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of tertiary prevention in cancer care?

Rehabilitation after a cancer diagnosis. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic that differentiates cancer cells from normal cells?

Continuous division without a stopping point (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tumor is well differentiated and typically does not invade surrounding tissues?

Benign (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of smoking in relation to cancer development?

It is a recognized risk factor that leads to cancer (B) Signup and view all the answers

What happens to abnormal cells that undergo mutations?

They form a clone and proliferate with invasive characteristics (B) Signup and view all the answers

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

Encapsulated structure (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of cancer metastasis, which organs are commonly affected by breast cancer spreading?

Bone, liver, and brain (B) Signup and view all the answers

What describes the term 'metaplasia' in cancer pathology?

Transformation of one type of cell into another (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a common pathway for cancer spread?

Breast cancer to the spine (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of tumor markers like CEA and PSA in cancer detection?

To assess the presence of cancer when elevated levels are found (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by a grading score of 4 in cancer cell abnormalities?

Severely abnormal cells with no resemblance to normal tissue (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which diagnostic test is primarily used for breast cancer detection?

Mammography (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does a cancer stage of 3 typically suggest about the disease?

There is significant local invasion and possible spread to lymph nodes (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a stage zero cancer diagnosis?

It is a localized carcinoma in situ with better prognosis (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Oncology Week 12

Cancer: Altered cell growth and damaged DNA within cells. Normal cells have a purpose, tight adherence, orderly growth, and mitosis. Cancer cells lack a purpose, are harmful, metastasize, have looser adherence, and continuously divide, with larger nuclei compared to cytoplasm.
Cell Division/Oncogenes: Oncogenes promote cell division. Cancer originates when an abnormal cell is transformed via genetic mutations. These cells then clone and proliferate, becoming invasive and gaining access to lymph and blood vessels.
Benign Tumors: Growths that are usually harmless but may be problematic if located in a critical area, obstructing function. Benign tumors are well-differentiated (look like original tissue), encapsulated (contained), and do not spread. Slow growth and metastasis do not typically occur.
Malignant Tumors: Always harmful and considered cancerous. They are undifferentiated (no resemblance to original tissue), not encapsulated, infiltrate tissues, have variable growth, metastasize, cause anemia, weight loss, and extensive tissue damage, and often lead to death.
Hyperplasia: An increase in the number of cells, which can be normal or abnormal.
Metaplasia: One cell type transforms into another, potentially affecting surrounding tissues.
Cancer Spread: Cancer can spread through the lymphatic system and bloodstream. Lung cancer might spread to the bone, liver, and brain; colorectal cancer can spread to the liver; and prostate cancer can spread to the spine and lungs.
Cancer Development: Cancer development involves changes (dysplasia) in normal cell features, leading to the loss of differentiation (anaplasia), and out-of-control cell growth and division (neoplasia). Apoptosis (programmed cell death) is often disrupted in cancer cells.
Angiogenesis: Cancer cells grow blood vessels to support their own survival, a critical aspect of tumor growth.
Cancer Detection: Early detection is crucial for successful treatment. Cancer can be diagnosed through various imaging techniques (mammography, MRI, CT scans, ultrasounds, endoscopy, nuclear medicine scans, PET scans) and analysis of substances, such as tumor markers (PSA, CEA).
Causes and Risk Factors: Cancers influenced by hormonal factors (like synthetic estrogen), exposure to carcinogens (UV, radiation, chemicals including those in tobacco, dyes, pesticides, radon), genetics (BRCA gene), and lifestyle (diet, alcohol, smoking).
Cancer Prevention and Treatment: Strategies include vaccinations (HPV, hepatitis B), controlling environmental exposures, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding known carcinogens. Prevention methods include regular screenings, early detection, and treatment of pre-cancerous growths. Secondary prevention (screening) and tertiary prevention (rehab) strategies are key. Treatments aim to reduce the tumor size.

Additional Notes

Staging: Cancer staging systems (e.g., TMN) describe the size and extent of the tumor (tumor, nodes, metastasis). The higher the stage number, the more extensive the cancer.
Grading: Tumor grading systems assess the degree of differentiation of cancer cells. Higher gradings usually indicate more aggressive behavior.
Pathological Findings: A patient's overall medical history, physical exam, and imaging/lab tests influence detection and diagnosis of the presence, extent, and location of cancer. Assessment of appropriate body fluids is important (e.g., urine, blood).

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Description

Explore the characteristics that distinguish benign and malignant tumors, as well as the role of oncogenes in cancer development. Understand the differences in cell growth and the effects of cancer on normal cellular processes. This quiz will test your knowledge of oncology fundamentals as covered in week 12.