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Questions and Answers
What is a carcinoma?
What is a carcinoma?
What distinguishes a sarcoma from other types of tumors?
What distinguishes a sarcoma from other types of tumors?
Leukemias are classified as cancers of which type of cells?
Leukemias are classified as cancers of which type of cells?
Which of the following cancers is named for historical reasons, rather than according to its cellular origin?
Which of the following cancers is named for historical reasons, rather than according to its cellular origin?
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What type of tumor is a glioma?
What type of tumor is a glioma?
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Which of the following best describes lymphomas?
Which of the following best describes lymphomas?
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Which of the following types of tumors is specifically related to ductal or glandular structures?
Which of the following types of tumors is specifically related to ductal or glandular structures?
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What is the primary characteristic of untreated tumors?
What is the primary characteristic of untreated tumors?
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How do tumor cells enhance their potential for metastatic spread?
How do tumor cells enhance their potential for metastatic spread?
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What role do growth factors play in tumor development?
What role do growth factors play in tumor development?
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Which of the following organs is particularly susceptible to the formation of metastases due to high blood flow?
Which of the following organs is particularly susceptible to the formation of metastases due to high blood flow?
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What kind of enzymes do malignant tumor cells release to facilitate their spread?
What kind of enzymes do malignant tumor cells release to facilitate their spread?
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Why is the liver a common site for metastasis of tumors originating in the gastrointestinal tract?
Why is the liver a common site for metastasis of tumors originating in the gastrointestinal tract?
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What is the process called that involves the formation of new blood vessels in relation to tumor growth?
What is the process called that involves the formation of new blood vessels in relation to tumor growth?
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What is the primary function of protease enzymes released by tumor cells?
What is the primary function of protease enzymes released by tumor cells?
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What advantage do malignant tumor cells gain from the secretion of growth factors?
What advantage do malignant tumor cells gain from the secretion of growth factors?
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Which type of cancer is most commonly associated with metastasis to the liver?
Which type of cancer is most commonly associated with metastasis to the liver?
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What is the role of proto-oncogenes in cell growth?
What is the role of proto-oncogenes in cell growth?
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Which cancer is directly associated with the presence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?
Which cancer is directly associated with the presence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?
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Excessive activity of which gene type may lead to unregulated cell division?
Excessive activity of which gene type may lead to unregulated cell division?
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Which agent is considered a chemical carcinogen?
Which agent is considered a chemical carcinogen?
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What is the consequence of mutations in cellular DNA?
What is the consequence of mutations in cellular DNA?
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Which of the following cancer types is linked to genetic predisposition?
Which of the following cancer types is linked to genetic predisposition?
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What type of virus is known to cause Burkitt’s lymphoma?
What type of virus is known to cause Burkitt’s lymphoma?
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What is the primary purpose of a biopsy in cancer detection?
What is the primary purpose of a biopsy in cancer detection?
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Which of the following treatments is primarily used to kill cancer cells that remain after surgery?
Which of the following treatments is primarily used to kill cancer cells that remain after surgery?
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What imaging techniques can be utilized to visualize tumors?
What imaging techniques can be utilized to visualize tumors?
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Which type of chemotherapy drug is associated with major toxicities such as nausea and bone marrow suppression?
Which type of chemotherapy drug is associated with major toxicities such as nausea and bone marrow suppression?
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In what manner can endoscopy contribute to cancer diagnosis?
In what manner can endoscopy contribute to cancer diagnosis?
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Which therapeutic approach is currently under investigation as an alternative to traditional chemotherapy?
Which therapeutic approach is currently under investigation as an alternative to traditional chemotherapy?
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When performing a surgical removal of tumors, what is often done simultaneously?
When performing a surgical removal of tumors, what is often done simultaneously?
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What characterizes the action of alkylating agents used in chemotherapy?
What characterizes the action of alkylating agents used in chemotherapy?
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What characteristic is common to the cells of benign neoplasm compared to normal colonic epithelium?
What characteristic is common to the cells of benign neoplasm compared to normal colonic epithelium?
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Which of the following describes poorly differentiated malignant neoplasm cells?
Which of the following describes poorly differentiated malignant neoplasm cells?
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What differentiates anaplastic malignant neoplasm cells from well-differentiated malignant neoplasm cells?
What differentiates anaplastic malignant neoplasm cells from well-differentiated malignant neoplasm cells?
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Which characteristic is NOT observed in benign neoplasms?
Which characteristic is NOT observed in benign neoplasms?
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Which is a hallmark of malignant tumor cells compared to benign tumor cells?
Which is a hallmark of malignant tumor cells compared to benign tumor cells?
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What is a likely consequence of excessive variation in nuclei shape and size in a malignant neoplasm?
What is a likely consequence of excessive variation in nuclei shape and size in a malignant neoplasm?
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What determines whether cells of a neoplasm resemble their original tissue?
What determines whether cells of a neoplasm resemble their original tissue?
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What distinguishes metastasis in malignant tumors?
What distinguishes metastasis in malignant tumors?
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Study Notes
Tumor and Metastasis
- Tumor cells enhance their potential for metastatic spread by releasing protease enzymes that digest the extracellular matrix surrounding adjacent cells.
- Malignant tumor cells may also produce growth factors that stimulate the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), which in turn support the rapid growth of tumor cells.
- Certain organs are more prone to metastasis due to their blood flow, like the lungs (large blood flow) and liver (blood draining intestines passes through).
- Metastasis refers to the ability of tumor cells to spread to other parts of the body and establish secondary tumors.
- Malignant tumor cells can utilize blood vessels and lymphatic vessels to spread.
- Common sites of metastasis for selected cancers:
- Breast cancer: Bones, lymph nodes (axillary), brain
- Lung cancer: Many organs (liver, brain, bone, etc.)
- Prostate cancer: Bones, lungs, liver, endocrine glands
- Colon cancer: Liver
- Testicular cancer: Lungs, liver
- Ovarian cancer: Peritoneum, liver, lungs, diaphragm
Oncogenesis
- Oncogenesis is the process by which normal cells are transformed into cancer cells.
Tumor Suppressor/Inducer Genes
- Several proteins produced by genes within cells, such as the p53 protein, limit cellular division by regulating parts of the normal cell cycle.
- Genes that code for these proteins are referred to as anti-oncogenes, as they suppress cell growth.
- Failure of these anti-oncogenes can lead to unregulated cellular division, characteristic of cancer cells.
Proto-oncogenes
- Proto-oncogenes are groups of genes present in all cells that produce proteins and substances that enhance cellular growth and proliferation.
- Excessive activity of these genes (or lack of regulation) can cause excessive cellular division and growth.
Mutation of DNA
- Numerous chemical, physical, and biological agents can cause DNA damage and be carcinogenic, either directly or through toxic intermediates like free radicals.
- Certain viruses are oncogenic as they can induce mutations in host cell DNA or alter rates of cellular transcription.
- Mutations in cellular DNA can lead to cells with abnormal growth and differentiation patterns.
Possible Cancer-Causing Agents
- Chemicals: Benzene, vinyl chloride, cigarette smoke, aromatic hydrocarbons
- Radiation: Radon gas, radioactive materials, ultraviolet radiation
- Occupational Exposure: Asbestos, coal dust, uranium, solvents
- Oncogenic Viruses
- Dietary Factors: High-fat diet, excessive alcohol intake, nitrosamine preservatives, grilled or charred food
Oncogenic Viruses in Humans
- Several DNA and RNA viruses are oncogenic, meaning they can cause cancers in the hosts they infect.
- Examples:
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Cervical carcinoma
- Hepatitis B Virus (HBV): Liver cancer
- Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV): Burkitt’s lymphoma, nasopharyngeal cancer
- HIV Virus: Kaposi’s sarcoma
Hereditary Predisposition
- A genetic predisposition has been observed for certain cancers, including colon cancer, breast cancer, retinoblastoma, and some leukemias and lymphomas.
Visualization of Tumors
- Radiography, computer tomography (CT scans), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help identify the presence of tumors and evaluate metastasis.
- Endoscopy can be used to visually detect tumors in the bronchi and gastrointestinal tract.
Biopsy
- Biopsy involves removing a piece of suspect tissue for detailed histologic or histochemical analysis.
- Can be done surgically, through needle biopsy, by scraping cells from a surface (Pap smear), or by endoscopic biopsy.
Rationale for Therapy
- Surgical removal of tumors, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are common cancer treatments.
- Immune-based treatments are under investigation as alternatives to traditional therapies.
- Treatment with specific hormones can inhibit the growth of certain cancers.
Treatment of Cancer
- Surgical Removal: If accessible, tumors should be surgically removed. This is often accompanied by chemotherapy or radiation therapy to kill any remaining or metastasized cells.
- Chemotherapy: Drugs used for chemotherapy fall into several categories.
Chemotherapy Drugs
- Alkylating agents and nitrosureas (examples: cyclophosphamide, carmustine): Cytotoxic to cancer cells due to DNA alkylation. Major toxicities include nausea, vomiting, and bone marrow suppression.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the mechanisms of tumor growth and metastasis. This quiz covers how malignant tumors spread, common sites of metastasis, and the role of angiogenesis in cancer progression. Ideal for students studying oncology and related fields.
