Predisposing Factors for Cancer
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Questions and Answers

What is the chance of a first-degree relative having inherited the familial APC genetic mutation in FAP?

50%

Which genetic mutation is associated with Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch Syndrome)?

Germline mutations in the DNA mismatch repair genes, such as MLH1.

What is the main genetic mutation linked to Li-Fraumeni syndrome?

Mutations in the TP53 gene.

How does smoking contribute to lung cancer statistics?

<p>Smoking is implicated in 90% of lung cancer deaths.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does obesity play in cancer mortality?

<p>Obesity is linked to 14% of cancer deaths in men and 20% in women.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental agent is known to cause lung and skin cancer?

<p>Arsenic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of cancer is linked with vinyl chloride exposure?

<p>Hepatic angiosarcoma.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of chronic inflammation on cancer risk?

<p>It induces compensatory cell proliferation in a genotoxic environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What age group is most commonly affected by cancer, and what are the two notable exceptions?

<p>Individuals older than 55 are most commonly affected by cancer, with notable exceptions being leukemia, lymphoma, CNS tumors, and sarcomas in children.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of cancers are hereditary, and what is typically observed in the family patterns for such cancers?

<p>Only 5% to 10% of cancers are hereditary, often displaying multiple family members with the same or related types of cancer and usually diagnosed at younger ages.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which genes are associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancers, and what is a significant risk factor for family members?

<p>Hereditary breast and ovarian cancers are associated with mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, with significantly increased cancer risks for family members.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the impact of germline mutations on hereditary cancers and how genetic testing aids in their identification.

<p>Germline mutations significantly increase the risk of developing hereditary cancers and genetic testing can help identify these mutations in blood or saliva samples.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), and which gene mutation is responsible for it?

<p>Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is characterized by the development of numerous precancerous polyps in the colon, caused by mutations in the APC gene.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes hereditary cancers from sporadic cancers in terms of diagnosis age and related family history?

<p>Hereditary cancers are often diagnosed in individuals younger than 50 and show a pattern of several family members affected by the same or related cancer types.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two stages involved in chemical carcinogenesis?

<p>The two stages are initiation and promotion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Differentiate between direct-acting and indirect-acting carcinogens with examples.

<p>Direct-acting agents require no metabolic conversion, such as alkylating agents, whereas indirect-acting agents require metabolic conversion, like polycyclic hydrocarbons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does immune compromise increase the risk of malignancy?

<p>Immune compromise, especially deficits in T-cell immunity, increases susceptibility to malignancies caused by oncogenic viruses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do promoters play in tumor induction?

<p>Promoters enhance the proliferation of previously initiated cells, leading to tumor induction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define hyperplasia in the context of carcinogenesis and provide an example.

<p>Hyperplasia is the increase in the number of cells in a tissue, which can lead to neoplasia; an example is endometrial hyperplasia due to prolonged unopposed estrogens.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What types of agents can cause neoplastic transformation and how do they operate?

<p>Carcinogenic agents include chemical carcinogens, radiant energy, and oncogenic viruses, which cause genetic damage leading to neoplastic transformation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of chronic inflammation in the development of cancer?

<p>Chronic inflammation allows cells with oncogenic mutations to survive and expand, increasing cancer risk.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify two pathological conditions that are associated with mesothelioma.

<p>Asbestosis and silicosis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is metaplasia and how does it relate to cancer risk?

<p>Metaplasia is the replacement of one mature cell type with another, often increasing the risk of malignant transformation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of dysplasia and its potential progression to cancer.

<p>Dysplasia refers to disordered growth with loss of cellular uniformity that can precede cancer, though it does not always progress to malignancy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'carcinoma in situ' signify?

<p>It denotes a preinvasive neoplasm where dysplastic changes affect the entire epithelial thickness without penetrating the basement membrane.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one etiological agent associated with pancreatic carcinoma.

<p>Alcoholism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can chronic cholecystitis contribute to gall bladder cancer?

<p>Chronic cholecystitis may lead to cellular changes due to bile acids, bacteria, and stones, increasing cancer risk.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the common outcome of squamous metaplasia in chronic smokers?

<p>It often leads to the development of lung squamous cell carcinoma.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the presence of dysplasia significant even if it doesn't lead to cancer?

<p>Dysplasia serves as an indicator of cellular abnormalities and a warning sign for potential cancer development.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer?

<p>Chronic inflammation from inflammatory bowel disease increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Age as a Predisposing Factor for Cancer

The majority of cancers develop in people over 55 years old, due to the accumulation of mutations in cells and a weakening of the immune system.

Hereditary Cancer

While most cancers are not inherited, some cancers can be caused by mutations in genes that are passed down from parents. This is less common, affecting only about 5-10% of all cancers.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genes

Mutations in these genes increase the risk of developing various cancers, including breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer.

Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)

This condition is caused by a mutation in the APC gene, resulting in the development of numerous polyps in the colon, which are highly likely to become cancerous.

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Hereditary Colorectal Cancer (CRC)

Mutations in these genes can increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC), which is a type of cancer that affects the colon and rectum.

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What is Hereditary Cancer?

Mutations in specific genes inherited from parents can significantly increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer. This is called hereditary cancer.

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Cancer Development

A process where the cell accumulates genetic mutations that ultimately lead to uncontrolled growth and tumor formation.

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Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (Lynch Syndrome)

A type of inherited cancer caused by mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes, such as MLH1, leading to genomic instability and an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

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Initiation in Carcinogenesis

Refers to irreversible changes (mutations) in the genome of a cell, making it susceptible to becoming cancerous. These mutations can be caused by various factors like radiation, chemicals, or viral infections.

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Li-Fraumeni Syndrome

A rare genetic disorder characterized by multiple cancers due to mutations in the TP53 gene, a key tumor suppressor gene.

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Promotion in Carcinogenesis

The process of tumor induction in cells that have already undergone initiation. This involves promoting the proliferation and growth of these initiated cells, pushing them towards becoming cancerous.

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Indirect-acting carcinogens

Agents that require metabolic conversion to become carcinogenic. These agents are not directly harmful, but become activated within the body to be carcinogenic.

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Xeroderma Pigmentosum

A condition characterized by inherited defects in genes responsible for DNA repair, leading to an increased risk of skin cancer.

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Infectious Agents and Cancer

An environmental factor that is either directly or indirectly causal in 15% of cancers worldwide.

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Direct-acting carcinogens

Agents that do not need any metabolic conversion to become carcinogenic. They are directly harmful to the DNA of cells.

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Smoking and Cancer

A well-established environmental risk factor for cancer, particularly for lung cancer, where it is implicated in 90% of deaths

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Immunodeficiency and Cancer

A condition where the immune system is compromised, making the individual more susceptible to developing cancer, especially those caused by viruses.

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Alcohol and Cancer

A lifestyle factor that contributes to oropharyngeal malignancies and alcoholic cirrhosis, which can lead to liver cancer.

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Chronic Inflammation and Cancer

A type of cancer risk associated with tissue injury, involving compensatory cell proliferation and a buildup of inflammatory mediators that can promote cancer development.

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Occupational Cancer

Various cancers, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, can arise from exposure to asbestos fibers, silica particles, and other environmental agents.

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Precursor Lesion

Precursor lesions are tissue changes that increase the risk of cancer development but are not cancer themselves.

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Metaplasia

Metaplasia is when one mature cell type is replaced by another due to tissue damage or irritation. This altered tissue can be prone to becoming cancerous.

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Dysplasia

Dysplasia involves disordered growth of cells, leading to loss of uniformity and organization. It is a precancerous condition.

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Carcinoma in Situ

When dysplasia affects the entire thickness of an epithelium but doesn't penetrate the basement membrane, it's considered a preinvasive neoplasm.

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Environmental Factors and Cancer

Environmental agents like asbestos and silica particles can cause cancer by inducing chronic inflammation and cellular mutations.

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Precursor Lesions

Precursor lesions are abnormal tissue changes that increase the risk of cancer development, but are not yet cancerous.

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Metaplasia and Cancer

Metaplasia is a change in cell type due to environmental factors, and while beneficial in the short term, it can make tissue more susceptible to cancer.

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Study Notes

Predisposing Factors for Cancer

  • Cancer is categorized into hereditary and acquired factors.
  • Cellular interactions with radiation, chemicals, and biological carcinogens impact cancer development.

Hereditary Factors

  • Most cancers occur in individuals over 55 due to somatic mutations and weakened immune systems.
  • Certain childhood cancers (leukemias, lymphomas, CNS tumors, sarcomas) are less frequently carcinomas.
  • Approximately 95% of cancers are sporadic (not inherited).
  • Hereditary cancers (5-10%) arise from mutations in specific genes passed down in families.
  • Family history often shows similar cancer types at younger ages.
  • Multiple cancers in different body parts suggest hereditary factors.
  • Rare cancer types (male breast cancer) can be indicators.
  • Genetic testing identifies hereditary mutations.
  • Examples include BRCA1/2 mutations linked to breast, ovarian, prostate cancers demonstrating early onset and bilateral occurrences.
  • Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) results from APC gene mutations, causing numerous colon polyps and a high risk of colorectal cancer.

Acquired Factors

  • Environmental Factors:

    • Infections contribute to approximately 15% of cancers worldwide.
    • Smoking significantly increases the risk of oropharyngeal, laryngeal, esophageal, pancreatic, bladder, and lung cancers.
    • Alcohol consumption increases the risk of oropharyngeal cancers and liver cancer due to cirrhosis.
    • Diet is linked to colorectal, prostate, and breast cancer risks.
    • Obesity is connected to 14-20% of cancer-related deaths (men and women, respectively).
    • Estrogen exposure (without progesterone balance) raises breast and endometrial cancer risks.

  • Specific Agents:

    • Arsenic exposure is linked to lung and skin cancers.
    • Benzene is associated with acute myeloid leukemia.
    • Radon exposure contributes to lung cancers.
    • Vinyl chloride is linked to hepatic angiosarcoma.
    • Specific examples mentioned include asbestos, silica, and chronic inflammation (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, chronic cholecystitis) impacting cancers like mesothelioma, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and gall bladder cancer respectively.

  • Chronic Inflammation:

    • Persistent tissue injury and inflammation create a pro-oncogenic environment.
    • Inflammatory molecules stimulate cell survival, enabling mutation expansion.
    • Long-term inflammation increases cancer risk.

  • Precursor Lesions:

    • Precursor lesions (e.g., dysplasia) are precancerous growths characterized by altered cell structure and growth patterns.
    • Dysplasia may or may not progress to cancer.
    • Removal of the initiating stimulus can revert dysplasia.
    • Carcinoma in situ (CIS) is considered preinvasive, where dysplastic changes fill the entire epithelium without penetrating the basement membrane.
    • Examples include endometrial hyperplasia (unopposed estrogen), benign growths like colonic polyps, skin, breast, uterine cervix and urinary bladder.

  • Immunodeficiency:

    • Weakened immune systems increase cancer risk, particularly for virus-related cancers.

Mechanisms

  • Metaplasia is the replacement of one mature cell type with another, often in response to damage; but can be prone to malignant transformation.
  • Dysplasia describes disordered growth and loss of uniformity/differentiation.
  • Hyperplasia relates to excessive cell growth.

Additional Factors

  • Chemical Carcinogenesis: Cancer development due to chemicals involves initiation and promotion.
  • Radiant Energy: UV radiation (especially UVB) and ionizing radiation (x-rays) are directly carcinogenic impacting DNA.
  • Microbial Carcinogens: Some viruses (e.g., HTLV-1, HPV, EBV, HBV, HCV) are linked to certain cancer types impacting DNA and cellular mechanisms causing cancer.

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Predisposing Factors for Cancer PDF

Description

Explore the various hereditary and acquired factors that influence cancer development. This quiz delves into the significance of genetic mutations, family history, and environmental influences on cancer risk. Learn how these elements interplay in the onset of different cancer types.

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