Tumor and Tumor Immunology

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Questions and Answers

What is a tumor, and how does it differ from cancer?

A tumor is an abnormal growth or proliferation of cells, but not all tumors are cancerous. Benign tumors are abnormal proliferations of normal cells, while malignant tumors are abnormal proliferations of abnormal cells and are cancerous.

What is the main focus of tumor immunology?

The main focus of tumor immunology is the study of the antigens associated with tumors, the immune response to tumors, the tumor's effect on the host's immune status, and the use of the immune system to help eradicate the tumor.

What is the process of programmed cell death, and how is it related to cancer?

Apoptosis is the process of programmed cell death, and it is a hallmark of cancer cells. Cancer cells often have broken apoptotic controls, which allows them to resist apoptosis and continue to grow uncontrollably.

What is the role of protooncogenes in cell growth and division?

Protooncogenes are regulatory genes that promote cell division. When their expression is altered or they are mutated into oncogenes, they can cause uncontrolled growth and potentially lead to tumors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of angiogenesis, and why is it important for solid tumors?

Angiogenesis is the development of new blood vessels to supply oxygen and nutrients to cells. It is essential for solid tumors to grow and thrive. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a benign tumor and a malignant tumor?

A benign tumor is an abnormal proliferation of normal cells, while a malignant tumor is an abnormal proliferation of abnormal cells and is cancerous. Signup and view all the answers

What is metastasis, and how does it relate to cancer?

Metastasis is the spreading of a tumor into other areas of the body. It is a hallmark of cancer and can lead to poor patient prognosis. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of tumor suppressor genes in preventing tumors?

Tumor suppressor genes provide growth inhibitory signals to prevent uncontrolled cell growth. When these genes are mutated or malfunction, they can remove these inhibitory signals, leading to tumors. Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the term 'neo' in the context of tumor formation?

New Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a tumor suppressor gene?

It encodes a protein involved in protecting cells from unregulated growth. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a primary tumor and a secondary tumor?

A primary tumor is the original tumor, while a secondary tumor is a metastatic tumor that has spread from the original site to other parts of the body. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process by which malignant cells travel through the body and cause new foci of malignancy?

Metastasis Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the abnormal growth that is not yet considered cancerous but can potentially develop into cancer?

Dysplasia Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the formation of tumors?

Tumorigenesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between benign and malignant tumors?

Benign tumors are not harmful and will not spread or invade, while malignant tumors are harmful and can invade and disrupt normal body function. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the phase during which neoplastic cells have formed but are confined to the tissue of origin?

In situ phase Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Tumor

Abnormal growth or proliferation of cells, not always cancerous
Can be benign (abnormal proliferation of normal cells) or malignant (abnormal proliferation of abnormal cells)

Tumor Immunology

Study of tumor-associated antigens, immune response to tumors, tumor's effect on host's immune status, and using immune system to eradicate tumor

Normal Cell Growth and Division

Regulated processes to produce new cells when necessary, inhibit cell division when sufficient, and limit cell lifespan
Apoptosis: programmed cell death

Cancer

Uncontrolled growth of cells that forms a solid mass or tumor (neoplasm) and spreads to other areas of the body
Metastasis: spreading of tumor to other areas of the body
Diapedesis: phagocytes moving across blood vessels

Protooncogenes

Regulatory genes that promote cell division and can cause inhibited cell division if altered or mutated into oncogenes
Oncogene: codes protein that promotes uncontrolled growth, causes tumor

Tumors

Composed of cells with accelerated or dysregulated growth, resembling normal cells from which they arose
Uncontrolled cell growth

Angiogenesis

Development of new blood vessels to supply oxygen and nutrients to cells
Solid tumor needs nutrients

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death, hallmark of cancer cells
Destroyed by cancer cells
Cancer drug treatments inhibit apoptosis

Neoplasm

Uncontrolled tissue growth, "new formation"
Neo: new, plasm: living tissue

Oncogene

Encodes protein that promotes uncontrolled cell growth when mutated

Tumor Suppressor Gene

Encodes protein involved in protecting cells from unregulated growth
Counter oncogene by removing growth inhibitory signals

Metastasis

Malignant cells travel through the body, causing new foci of malignancy until body function is disrupted
Primary tumor: original tumor, secondary tumor: spread to other parts of the body
Invasive tumor: tumor cells invade blood vessels, allowing metastasis to occur

Induction Phase

Cells exposed to environmental insults, 1st phase
Environmental insults: chemical carcinogens, radiations, viruses

Tumorigenesis

Formation of tumors

Liver Function Alterations During Disease

Tumors can be classified as benign or malignant
Benign: not harmful, will not spread or invade (e.g., hepatocellular adenoma and hemangioma)
Malignant: invades and disrupts normal body function, will metastasize (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma, bile duct carcinoma, hepatoblastoma)

Tumor Progression

During induction phase, takes months to years
Dysplasia: abnormal growth that is not yet considered, reversible
Neoplasia: consistent with a tumor, irreversible, uncontrolled tissue growth

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Description

Learn about the abnormal growth and proliferation of cells, including benign and malignant tumors, and the study of tumor immunology and its effects on the immune system.