Carcinoma vs Sarcoma

Flashcards comparing carcinoma and sarcoma based on definition, age, growth rate, mode of growth, gross features, distant spread, staging, and microscopic features.

What type of tissue does carcinoma affect?

Epithelium

What type of tissue does sarcoma affect?

Mesenchyme

In what age group is carcinoma most common?

Usually above 40 years.

In what age group is sarcoma most common?

Usually below 20 years

Is Carcinoma growth rate faster or slower than sarcoma?

Slower

Is Sarcoma growth rate faster or slower than carcinoma?

Faster

How are carcinoma margins usually described?

More infiltrative than sarcoma

How are sarcoma margins usually described?

Less infiltrative & more expansile than carcinoma.

Which usually forms bulkier masses, carcinoma or sarcoma?

Sarcoma

In which is haemorrhage & necrosis more prominent, carcinoma or sarcoma?

Sarcoma

What color is usually associated to Carcinoma on the surface?

Grayish

What color is usually associated to Sarcoma on the surface?

Tinged pink due to richer vascularity

Does Sarcomas arise from surface epithelium?

No, Sarcomas do not arise from surface epithelium

Does Carcinomas arise from surface epithelium?

Carcinoma arising from a surface forms a fungating cauliflower mass, an ulcerative growth or an infiltrative pattern which may be diffuse or annular.

Which spreads faster, carcinoma or sarcoma?

Sarcoma

What is the most popular system for cancer staging?

TNM system

What does T represent in the TNM staging system?

Tumor state & size

What does N represent in the TNM staging system?

Degree of spread to lymph nodes

What does M represent in the TNM staging system?

Metastases due to blood spread

Which usually display greater cellular anaplasia, carcinoma or sarcoma?

Sarcoma

Are hemorrhage, necrosis & secondary changes more profound in Carcinoma or Sarcoma?

Sarcoma

Which has more numerous and thin-walled blood vessels, Carcinoma or Sarcoma?

Sarcoma

In which is haemorrhage & necrosis more prominent, carcinoma or sarcoma?

Sarcoma

What color is usually associated to carcinoma on the surface?

Grayish

What color is usually associated to sarcoma on the surface?

Tinged pink due to richer vascularity

Does Sarcomas arise from surface epithelium?

No, Sarcomas do not arise from surface epithelium

Does Carcinomas arise from surface epithelium?

Carcinoma arising from a surface forms a fungating cauliflower mass, an ulcerative growth or an infiltrative pattern which may be diffuse or annular.

Which spreads faster, carcinoma or sarcoma?

Sarcoma

What is the most popular system for cancer staging?

TNM system

What does T represent in the TNM staging system?

Tumor state & size

What does N represent in the TNM staging system?

Degree of spread to lymph nodes

What does M represent in the TNM staging system?

Metastases due to blood spread

Which usually display greater cellular anaplasia, carcinoma or sarcoma?

Sarcoma

Are hemorrhage, necrosis & secondary changes more profound in Carcinoma or Sarcoma?

Sarcoma

Which has more numerous and thin-walled blood vessels, Carcinoma or Sarcoma?

Sarcoma

Which type of cancer is more likely to be responsive to chemotherapy?

Sarcoma are generally more responsive to chemotherapy than carcinomas

What are the common routes of spread for sarcoma?

Sarcomas typically spread hematogenously (through the bloodstream) due to their origin in mesenchymal tissues, which are richly vascularized. Lymphatic spread is less common compared to carcinomas.

What are the common routes of spread for carcinoma?

Carcinomas typically spread through lymphatic vessels to regional lymph nodes.

How does the microscopic appearance of carcinoma differ from sarcoma?

Carcinomas generally exhibit more differentiated features with cells resembling their tissue of origin, while sarcomas often show a more anaplastic appearance with less resemblance to normal cells.

What are typical treatment strategies for carcinoma?

Treatment for carcinoma typically includes surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and/or chemotherapy. The approach varies based on the specific type and stage of carcinoma.

What are typical treatment strategies for sarcoma?

Sarcomas are often treated with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The treatment plan depends on the sarcoma's location, size, and grade.

Give some examples of specific types of carcinoma:

Examples of carcinomas include adenocarcinoma (glandular tissue), squamous cell carcinoma (skin and mucous membranes), and basal cell carcinoma (skin).

Give some examples of specific types of sarcoma:

Examples of sarcomas include osteosarcoma (bone), chondrosarcoma (cartilage), liposarcoma (fat), and leiomyosarcoma (smooth muscle).

How do survival rates generally compare between carcinoma and sarcoma?

Survival rates vary widely depending on the specific type and stage of cancer. Some carcinomas have very high survival rates if detected early, while some sarcomas can be aggressive and have poorer prognoses.

What are some risk factors associated with the development of carcinomas?

Risk factors for carcinomas include tobacco use, UV radiation exposure, certain viral infections (e.g., HPV), and exposure to environmental toxins.

What are some risk factors associated with the development of sarcom