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Questions and Answers
Which characteristic best differentiates malignant from benign neoplasms at a microscopic level?
Which characteristic best differentiates malignant from benign neoplasms at a microscopic level?
- The tumor's ability to compress adjacent tissues without infiltration.
- The degree of resemblance between neoplastic cells and their normal counterparts. (correct)
- Presence of a fibrous capsule surrounding the tumor mass.
- The rate at which the tumor mass increases in size.
A pathologist examines a biopsy from a mass in a patient's lung and notes significant pleomorphism, hyperchromatism, and a high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio. Which of the following terms best describes these cellular changes?
A pathologist examines a biopsy from a mass in a patient's lung and notes significant pleomorphism, hyperchromatism, and a high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio. Which of the following terms best describes these cellular changes?
- Dysplasia
- Hyperplasia
- Anaplasia (correct)
- Metaplasia
Which of the following mechanisms allows tumor cells to penetrate basement membranes and invade adjacent tissues?
Which of the following mechanisms allows tumor cells to penetrate basement membranes and invade adjacent tissues?
- Enhanced apoptosis of tumor cells.
- Upregulation of E-cadherin expression.
- Secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). (correct)
- Increased production of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs).
A researcher is studying the process of metastasis in a mouse model of breast cancer. They observe tumor cells entering the bloodstream and subsequently adhering to the endothelium of lung capillaries. Which of the following molecules is most likely involved in the initial adhesion of tumor cells to the endothelium?
A researcher is studying the process of metastasis in a mouse model of breast cancer. They observe tumor cells entering the bloodstream and subsequently adhering to the endothelium of lung capillaries. Which of the following molecules is most likely involved in the initial adhesion of tumor cells to the endothelium?
A patient with a history of heavy smoking develops lung cancer. Analysis of the tumor cells reveals mutations in the KRAS gene. Which of the following mechanisms is most likely responsible for the activation of KRAS in this patient's cancer?
A patient with a history of heavy smoking develops lung cancer. Analysis of the tumor cells reveals mutations in the KRAS gene. Which of the following mechanisms is most likely responsible for the activation of KRAS in this patient's cancer?
Which of the following viruses is most closely associated with the development of Kaposi sarcoma?
Which of the following viruses is most closely associated with the development of Kaposi sarcoma?
A researcher is investigating potential therapeutic targets for a specific type of cancer. They identify a protein that is overexpressed in the tumor cells and is essential for their survival. However, this protein is also expressed at low levels in certain normal tissues. Which of the following strategies would be most effective in selectively targeting the tumor cells while minimizing damage to normal tissues?
A researcher is investigating potential therapeutic targets for a specific type of cancer. They identify a protein that is overexpressed in the tumor cells and is essential for their survival. However, this protein is also expressed at low levels in certain normal tissues. Which of the following strategies would be most effective in selectively targeting the tumor cells while minimizing damage to normal tissues?
A patient with advanced cancer develops hypercalcemia, despite the absence of bone metastases. Which of the following paraneoplastic syndromes is the most likely cause of this electrolyte imbalance?
A patient with advanced cancer develops hypercalcemia, despite the absence of bone metastases. Which of the following paraneoplastic syndromes is the most likely cause of this electrolyte imbalance?
A researcher is studying the role of tumor suppressor genes in cancer development. They discover a novel gene that is frequently deleted in a specific type of tumor. Further investigation reveals that this gene encodes a protein that inhibits the activity of a transcription factor involved in cell cycle progression. Which of the following terms best describes the function of this novel tumor suppressor gene?
A researcher is studying the role of tumor suppressor genes in cancer development. They discover a novel gene that is frequently deleted in a specific type of tumor. Further investigation reveals that this gene encodes a protein that inhibits the activity of a transcription factor involved in cell cycle progression. Which of the following terms best describes the function of this novel tumor suppressor gene?
A physician is evaluating a patient with a suspicious skin lesion. An incisional biopsy is performed and the pathologist reports the presence of atypical melanocytes extending from the basal layer into the epidermis with irregular nests and pagetoid spread. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A physician is evaluating a patient with a suspicious skin lesion. An incisional biopsy is performed and the pathologist reports the presence of atypical melanocytes extending from the basal layer into the epidermis with irregular nests and pagetoid spread. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A researcher is investigating the role of chronic inflammation in cancer development. They hypothesize that inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6, can promote tumor growth and metastasis. Which of the following mechanisms is most likely involved in the pro-tumorigenic effects of these cytokines?
A researcher is investigating the role of chronic inflammation in cancer development. They hypothesize that inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6, can promote tumor growth and metastasis. Which of the following mechanisms is most likely involved in the pro-tumorigenic effects of these cytokines?
A patient presents with a painless neck mass. A biopsy reveals the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A patient presents with a painless neck mass. A biopsy reveals the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A researcher is developing a new cancer therapy that targets the Warburg effect, a metabolic adaptation seen in many cancer cells. Which of the following metabolic changes is characteristic of the Warburg effect?
A researcher is developing a new cancer therapy that targets the Warburg effect, a metabolic adaptation seen in many cancer cells. Which of the following metabolic changes is characteristic of the Warburg effect?
A clinician notes that a patient's tumor cells exhibit a high degree of genomic instability. Which cellular mechanism is most likely impaired, leading to this observation?
A clinician notes that a patient's tumor cells exhibit a high degree of genomic instability. Which cellular mechanism is most likely impaired, leading to this observation?
A patient has been exposed to high levels of aflatoxin B1. This exposure increases their risk for which type of cancer?
A patient has been exposed to high levels of aflatoxin B1. This exposure increases their risk for which type of cancer?
A researcher aims to develop a novel therapeutic strategy targeting tumor angiogenesis. Which of the following molecules would be the most appropriate target to inhibit the formation of new blood vessels within a tumor?
A researcher aims to develop a novel therapeutic strategy targeting tumor angiogenesis. Which of the following molecules would be the most appropriate target to inhibit the formation of new blood vessels within a tumor?
A patient is diagnosed with cancer and the physician orders tests for various tumor markers. Which of the following tumor markers is most useful in monitoring for recurrence of colon cancer after surgical resection?
A patient is diagnosed with cancer and the physician orders tests for various tumor markers. Which of the following tumor markers is most useful in monitoring for recurrence of colon cancer after surgical resection?
Which of the following is a characteristic of benign tumors?
Which of the following is a characteristic of benign tumors?
A researcher is studying the role of the immune system in controlling tumor growth. They discover that tumor cells can evade immune surveillance by expressing a protein that binds to an inhibitory receptor on T cells, preventing their activation. Which of the following proteins is most likely responsible for this immune evasion mechanism?
A researcher is studying the role of the immune system in controlling tumor growth. They discover that tumor cells can evade immune surveillance by expressing a protein that binds to an inhibitory receptor on T cells, preventing their activation. Which of the following proteins is most likely responsible for this immune evasion mechanism?
A researcher is investigating new therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. They identify a signaling pathway that is frequently activated in tumor cells and is essential for their survival and proliferation. Which of the following approaches would be most effective in inhibiting this signaling pathway and suppressing tumor growth?
A researcher is investigating new therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. They identify a signaling pathway that is frequently activated in tumor cells and is essential for their survival and proliferation. Which of the following approaches would be most effective in inhibiting this signaling pathway and suppressing tumor growth?
Flashcards
Neoplasm (Tumor) Definition
Neoplasm (Tumor) Definition
A mass of tissue formed by abnormal, excessive, uncoordinated, autonomous, and purposeless cell proliferation, even after the initial stimulus has stopped.
Oncology
Oncology
The science dedicated to the study of tumors or neoplasms.
Benign Tumors
Benign Tumors
Tumors that are grossly and microscopically innocent, localized, and do not spread. Generally easily excised and recurrence is rare.
Malignant Tumors
Malignant Tumors
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Differentiation
Differentiation
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Anaplasia
Anaplasia
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Metastasis
Metastasis
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Pathways of Metastasis
Pathways of Metastasis
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Carcinogenesis
Carcinogenesis
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Cancers from Sun Exposure
Cancers from Sun Exposure
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Cancers from Ionizing Radiation
Cancers from Ionizing Radiation
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Chemical Carcinogenesis
Chemical Carcinogenesis
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Aflatoxin B1 and Liver Cancer
Aflatoxin B1 and Liver Cancer
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Common Cancer-Causing Viruses
Common Cancer-Causing Viruses
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Cancer Cachexia
Cancer Cachexia
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Paraneoplastic Syndromes
Paraneoplastic Syndromes
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Tumor Markers
Tumor Markers
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Uses of Tumor Markers
Uses of Tumor Markers
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Tumor Markers for Breast Cancer
Tumor Markers for Breast Cancer
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PSA Tumor Marker
PSA Tumor Marker
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Study Notes
- A tumor, or neoplasm, is a tissue mass resulting from abnormal, excessive, uncoordinated, autonomous, and purposeless cell proliferation, even after the initial growth stimulus has stopped.
- Oncology studies tumors or neoplasms.
Classification of Tumors
- Benign tumors are grossly and microscopically innocent.
- Malignant tumors are generally referred to as cancers.
- Benign tumors remain localized and do not spread.
- Malignant tumors invade, destroy adjacent structures, and spread to distant sites.
- Benign tumors can generally be easily excised and recurrence is not seen.
Nomenclature of Tumors
- Benign tumor names often end with "-oma".
- Adenoma is a benign neoplasm of glandular epithelium.
- Fibroadenoma is a benign neoplasm of the breast.
- Leiomyoma is a benign neoplasm of smooth muscle.
- Some exceptions to the "-oma" rule include hepatoma, melanoma, mesothelioma, and seminoma; all of which are malignant.
- Malignant neoplasm names often end with "-carcinoma" or "-sarcoma".
- Adenocarcinoma is a malignant neoplasm of glandular tissue.
- Rhabdomyosarcoma is a malignant neoplasm of skeletal muscle.
- Leiomyosarcoma is a malignant neoplasm of smooth muscle.
- Squamous cell carcinoma and prostatic adenocarcinoma are further examples of malignant neoplasms.
Characteristics of Neoplasms: Differentiation and Anaplasia
- Differentiation applies to the parenchymal cells of neoplasms.
- Differentiation is the extent to which parenchymal cells resemble comparable normal cells in morphology and function.
- Benign tumors are well differentiated.
- Malignant neoplasms range from well differentiated to undifferentiated.
- Anaplastic tumors are malignant tumors composed of undifferentiated cells, indicating very poor cellular differentiation.
Characteristics of Neoplasms: Rate of Growth
- Benign tumors typically grow slowly over years.
- Cancers tend to grow rapidly, sometimes erratically, and can spread and kill the host.
Characteristics of Neoplasms: Local Invasion
- Benign tumors grow as cohesive, expansile masses that stay localized.
- They do not infiltrate, invade, or metastasize to distant sites.
- A fibrous capsule may be present.
Characteristics of Neoplasms: Metastasis
- Metastasis, or discontinuous tumor implant, marks a tumor as malignant.
- Benign tumors never metastasize.
Metastasis Pathways
- Direct seeding of body cavities or surfaces.
- Lymphatic spread.
- Hematogenous spread.
Mechanism of Invasion and Metastasis
- Invasion of the extracellular matrix.
- Vascular dissemination and homing of tumor cells.
Carcinogenesis
- Carcinogenesis: The process by which a normal cell transforms into a malignant cell.
- Cancer results from genetic mutations.
Patterns of Occurrence
- Physical carcinogenesis.
- Chemical carcinogenesis.
- Viral carcinogenesis.
Physical Carcinogenesis
- Cancers from sun exposure include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma, predominantly among white races.
- Direct correlation exists between total sunlight exposure and skin cancer incidence.
- Ionizing radiations (X-rays & Gamma rays) can cause acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and thyroid cancer.
Chemical Carcinogenesis
- Potent carcinogenic compounds require metabolic activation before reacting with cell constituents.
- Examples include scrotal cancer in chimney sweepers, skin cancer from coal tar exposure, and lung carcinoma in cigarette smokers.
- Aflatoxin B1 from aspergillus fungus on improperly stored grains and nuts can cause hepatocellular carcinoma.
Viral Carcinogenesis
- Viral infections account for 15% of human cancers.
- Associations between viruses and human cancer are known among RNA and DNA viruses.
Common Cancer-Causing DNA Viruses
- Human Papilloma virus (HPV).
- Epstein Barr virus (EBV).
- Hepatitis B virus.
- Human Herpes virus 8 (HHV).
- HPV strains 16 and 18 are associated with squamous cell carcinoma.
- EBV is a double-stranded DNA virus that usually targets B lymphocytes.
- Hepatitis B & C viruses, partially double-stranded DNA viruses, may cause chronic hepatitis, leading to hepatocellular carcinoma.
- HHV 8 is associated with Kaposi sarcoma and lymphoma.
Clinical Features of Cancer
- Cancer cachexia includes profound weakness, anorexia, anemia, and progressive loss of body fat.
- Paraneoplastic syndromes include symptoms like difficulty walking and maintaining balance, loss of muscle coordination, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, and memory loss.
Tumor Markers
- Tumor markers are substances found at higher than normal levels in the blood, urine, or body tissues of some people with cancer and are also known as serum markers or biomarkers.
Common Uses of Tumor Markers
- Diagnosis: confirm the results of other tests and symptoms.
- Prognosis: predict the cancer’s behavior, response to treatment, and chance of recovery.
- Monitor treatment: determine how the cancer responds to treatment.
- Surveillance: determine the likelihood the cancer will return after treatment.
- Screening: find cancer in healthy or high-risk people before symptoms develop.
Examples of Tumor Markers
- CA 15-3 and CA 27-29 are tumor markers for breast cancer.
- CA 125 is a tumor marker for ovarian cancer.
- PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is a tumor marker for prostate cancer.
- AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein) is a tumor marker for liver cancer and cancers of the ovary or testicles.
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Description
This lesson offers an overview of tumors, also known as neoplasms, including their classification and nomenclature. Benign tumors remain localized, while malignant tumors invade and spread. Tumor names often end with "-oma" for benign and "-carcinoma" for malignant.
