Hyperplasia
Increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue
Metaplasia
Conversion of one type of cell into another
Dysplasia
Bizarre cell growth resulting in cells that differ in shape, size or arrangement from other cells of the same tissue type
Anaplasia
Growth pattern which lacks normal characteristics and differ in shape and organization
Neoplasia/neoplasm
Replacement of damaged tissue
Doubling time
the amount of time it takes for a tumor to double in size by miotic cell divisions
Gene expression
The activation or “turning on” of a specific gene to the extent that it synthesizes specific protein that influences the activity of a cell or group of cells
Gene suppression
The deactivation or “turning off” of a specific gene so that is silent and doesn’t synthesize a protein
Initiation
the damage of a normal cell’s DNA by a carcinogen
Anaplastic
Without shape or differentiation, small and round
Fibronectin
A large, extracellular, transformation-sensitive-cell-surface protein present on normal cells that allows normal cells to adhere tightly together
Latency
The period of time b/w when a carcinogenic agent or substance damaged the DNA of a normal cell and when an overt cancer is present
Cancer
A group of many diseases of multiple causes that can arise in any cell of the body capable of evading regulatory controls over proliferation and differentiation
Initiation in carcinogensis
Carcinogens alter the DNA of the cell. Cell will either die or repair
Promotion in carcinogensis
Repeated exposure to carcinogens. Abnormal gene will express. Latent period.
Progression in carcinogensis
Irreversible period. Cells undergo neoplastic transformation then malignancy
Which cells kill tumor cells
Cytotoxic t cells
Which cells produce antibodies
B cells
Tumors are classified according to
Anatomic site
Histologic analysis (Grading)
Extent of disease (staging)
What is Grade 1 classification
Cells differ slightly from normal cells (mild dysplasia) and are well differentiated
What is Grade 2 classification
Cells are more abnormal (moderate dysplasia) and moderately differentiated
What is Grade 3 classification
Cells are very abnormal (severe dysplasia) and poorly differentiated
What is Grade 4 classification
Cells are immature and primitive (anaplasia) and undifferentiated; cell of origin is difficult to determine
The staging classification system is based on
Description of the extent of the disease rather than on cell appearance
Stage 0
no cancer in situ
Stage 1
Tumor limited to the tissue of origin; localize tumor growth. Tumor size is up to 2cm
Stage 2
limited local involvement. Tumor size is up to 5 cm with axillary and neck lymph node involvement
Stage 3
extensive local and regional spread. Tumor is more than 5cm
Stage 4
Metastasis to distant organs
7 warning signs of cancer
CAUTION
Change in bowel/bladder habits A sore that does not heal Unusual bleeding or discharge Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere Indigestion or difficulty swallowing Obvious change in wart or mole Nagging cough or hoarseness
Side effects of chemotherapy
Alopecia N/V Mucositis Cardiac toxicity Pulmonary toxicity Nephrotoxicity Fatigue
Angiogenesis
Growth of new blood vessels that allows cancer cells to grow
Characteristics of benign tumors
Resemble normal cells of the tissue from which the tumor originated Grows by expansion, does not proliferate Usually encapsulated Does not spread by metastasis Does not usually cause tissue damage Does not usually cause death
Characteristics of malignant tumors
Bear little resemblance to the normal cells of the tissue from which they arose
Grows at the periphery
Invade and infiltrate surrounding tissue
Rate of growth is variable
Gains access to the blood and lymphatic channels
Causes anemia, weakness, weight loss, CACS
Often causes extensive tissue damage
Usually causes death if uncontrolled
Etiology of cancer
Viruses and bacteria (HPV, EBV)
Physical agents (sunlight, radiation, tobacco use)
Chemical agents (tobacco smoke)
Genetics and familial factors
Dietary (alcohol, fats, red/processed meats)
Hormonal agents
Primary prevention for cancer
Avoid known carcinogens
Make dietary and lifestyle changes (stop smoking, increase physical activity, healthy diet)
If you drink alcohol, limit consumption
Screening guidelines for breast cancer
Women age +
BSE (begin in early 2’s)
Mammography (Annually at age)
Screening guidelines for colorectal cancer
Men and women age 50+
Colonoscopy (every 10years after age 50)
Fecal occult blood test (annually at age 50)
Stool DNA test
Screening guidelines for prostate cancer
Men, age 50+
Prostate specific antigen w/ or w/o digital rectal exam
Screening guidelines for cervical cancer
Age 21-29: Pap test
Age 30-65: Co testing with HPV and pap test