Understanding Tumors and Carcinogenesis

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Questions and Answers

What characteristic is typical of malignant tumors?

Have a higher tendency to metastasize (correct)

Low mitotic activity

Usually grow back after removal

Do not invade nearby tissues

Which of the following features is associated with benign tumors?

Can form secondary tumors

Exhibit rampant growth

Invasion to adjacent tissues

Usually not life threatening when removed (correct)

Which statement about carcinoma is correct?

It generally grows faster than benign tumors. (correct)

It typically arises from mesenchymal tissue.

It is more common in children than in adults.

It often metastasizes through the lymphatic system.

Which type of tumor is defined as having the potential to become malignant over time?

Tumors with borderline behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is a common method of metastasis for malignant tumors?

Translocation by blood circulation Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential trait of metastatic tumors?

They develop from primary tumors that spread. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tumor typically presents with slower growth and lower chances of metastasizing?

Benign tumors Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT associated with malignant tumors?

Fibrous capsule formation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary recommendation for reducing health risks related to alcohol?

Reduce alcohol intake Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended age for women to start having mammograms for breast screening?

40 years and older Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT true about breast ultrasound?

It is a screening method for breast cancer. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Papanicolaou test in women aged 21 to 29?

To identify precancerous changes in the cervix Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary prevention strategy mentioned?

Support groups Signup and view all the answers

For which age group is the Papanicolaou test recommended every three years?

21 to 29 years Signup and view all the answers

What is an inappropriate method for preventing health issues related to sun exposure?

Sunbathing without protection Signup and view all the answers

What diagnostic test is primarily used to detect DNA of human papillomaviruses (HPV) in women aged 30 to 65?

Papanicolaou test Signup and view all the answers

Which monoclonal antibody specifically targets Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)?

Bevacizumab Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary treatment approach of immunotherapy in cancer management?

Activating or suppressing the immune system Signup and view all the answers

Which type of breast cancer primarily originates in the ducts and lobes?

Carcinoma Signup and view all the answers

In the context of breast cancer, what does the 'T' in tumor classification indicate?

Size and location of the tumor Signup and view all the answers

Which marker is commonly found on the cell membrane of lymphocytes and targeted by certain therapies?

CD20 Signup and view all the answers

Which statistic reflects the breast cancer incidence rate among Filipino women by age 75?

Three out of 100 women will get breast cancer Signup and view all the answers

What growth factor protein does Trastuzumab primarily target?

HER2 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of breast cancer as mentioned?

Most cases are benign tumors Signup and view all the answers

What specific requirement is necessary before taking a colorectal guaiac test?

Abstaining from red meat Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential long-term consequence of infection with certain types of HPV?

Cervical cancer Signup and view all the answers

What does a colonoscopy allow healthcare providers to do?

See inside the large intestine Signup and view all the answers

At what age is it recommended for men and women to undergo a colonoscopy?

50 and above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the diagnosis of cancer?

To determine the presence and extent of cancer Signup and view all the answers

What is evaluated to assess possible disease metastasis during cancer diagnosis?

Function of involved and uninvolved body systems Signup and view all the answers

During the cancer diagnosis process, what type of analysis is performed on tissue and cells?

Tumor grade and stage Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a function of the flexible camera used in colonoscopy?

Observing the inner lining of the large intestine Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the promotion stage of carcinogenesis?

Abnormal genetic information is expressed due to repeated exposure to promoting agents. Signup and view all the answers

Which gene is frequently mutated and is known as the 'guardian of the genome'?

TP53 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of lymphatic spread in cancer metastasis?

Spread through the lymphatic system. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic change occurs during the progression of cancer?

Malignant cells begin to invade surrounding tissues. Signup and view all the answers

How do tumor suppressor genes typically function in healthy cells?

They regulate normal cell division and prevent excessive proliferation. Signup and view all the answers

Which substance is known for promoting tumor angiogenesis?

VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) Signup and view all the answers

What role do viruses play in the etiology of cancer?

They may alter the genetic makeup of healthy cells, leading to mutations. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the initiation step in the carcinogenesis process?

Permanent cellular mutations occur. Signup and view all the answers

What effect do promoting agents have on proto-oncogenes?

They stimulate the conversion of proto-oncogenes to oncogenes. Signup and view all the answers

Which physical agent is commonly associated with carcinogenesis?

Excessive radiation exposure. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Benign Tumors

Do not spread to nearby tissues
Can be removed and usually do not grow back
Can be large and cause serious symptoms
Can be life-threatening in the brain

Malignant Tumors

Characterized by more than 2 abnormal cells with abnormal chromosomes
Invade neighboring tissues and metastasize
Lack contact inhibition
Do not form intracellular junctions
Grow rapidly

Tumors with Borderline Behavior

Not yet invasive but could become malignant
Also known as carcinoma in situ
Confined to the origination layer of cells without invading deep tissues

Metastatic Tumors

Malignant cancer cells spread from the original tumor to other parts of the body, forming new tumors
Secondary tumors comprise the same type of cancer cells as the primary tumor

Carcinogenesis

A three-step cellular process: initiation, promotion, and progression.

Initiation

The first step of carcinogenesis where normal cells are exposed to carcinogens, causing DNA damage
These mutations are usually not significant until the second step.

Promotion

Repeated exposure to promoting agents causes abnormal or mutant genetic information expression
Changes proto-oncogenes into oncogenes (genes that cause cancer) turning cellular growth "on"
Affects tumor suppressor genes by turning them "off," removing the ability to regulate cell growth and proliferation
Loss of suppressor gene function leads to the loss of the ability to perform apoptosis
P53 gene alteration can decrease apoptotic signals, decreasing mutant cell death

Progression

Cellular changes from initiation and promotion exhibit increased malignant behaviors.
Invades adjacent tissues and metastasizes.
The process of invasion relies on mechanical pressure from the tumor.
The tumor destroys surrounding tissues and vascular membranes through destructive enzymes.

Metastasis

Spread of cancer cells.
Lymphatic spread is the most common mechanism of metastasis.
Other methods of metastasis include hematogenous spread, angiogenesis, direct extension, and seeding or diffusion.

Etiology

Etiology is the study of the causes of diseases.
Physical agents - radiation, excessive sunlight exposure.
Chemical agents - tobacco use, drugs, toxic and chemical wastes.
Viruses and bacteria - these can alter a cell's DNA, causing cancer, for example, HPV infection.

Primary Prevention

Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption.
Avoid excessive sun exposure.
Participate in lay forums and support groups.

Secondary Prevention

Breast cancer: Mammography is the diagnostic test of choice for women over 40.
Cervical cancer: Between the ages of 21-29, Pap Smear tests are recommended.
Between the ages of 30-65, testing for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA is performed.
Colorectal cancer: Guaiac tests detect small amounts of blood in stool.
A colonoscopy is recommended for men and women over 50.

Diagnostics

Used to determine the presence and extent of cancer
Determine possible disease metastasis
Evaluate body systems and involved organs
Obtain tissues and cells for analysis, including tumor grade and stage

Treatment Options

Surgery - removes detectable tumors.
Radiation - delivers high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells.
Chemotherapy - uses drugs that destroy rapidly dividing cells.
Immunotherapy - uses the body's immune system to fight cancer.
Hormone therapy - uses hormones to target certain cancers.

Breast Cancer

Often begins as a hard, painless, fixed nodule in the upper outer quadrant of the breast.
Mostly adenocarcinoma tumors, originating from ducts and lobes.
The Philippines has the highest incidence of breast cancer in Asia.
The TNM staging system is used to assess breast cancer:
- T: describes tumor size and location.
- N: describes lymph node involvement.
- M: describes metastasis.
Common sites of metastasis include: bones, lungs, brain, liver.

Breast Cancer Management

Diagnosis and treatment are dependent on tumor staging, patient age, and overall health.
Depending on the stage, surgery, radiation.
Chemotherapy can be used pre-operatively to reduce tumor size or post-operatively to eliminate remaining cancer cells.

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Description

This quiz explores the different types of tumors, including benign, malignant, borderline, and metastatic tumors. It also covers the process of carcinogenesis, detailing its stages such as initiation. Test your knowledge on how these tumors behave and their implications for health.