Neoplasia Power Hour Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the Neoplasia Power Hour lecture, covering abnormal cell development, gene types, and tumor classification.

Proto-oncogenes

Normal genes that play a role in regulating cell growth and division but can become oncogenes when mutated.

Oncogenes

Mutated or overexpressed versions of proto-oncogenes that drive abnormal cell development and cancer.

Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes that normally inhibit cell division or prevent tumor formation, such as the p53 gene.

p53

A specific tumor suppressor gene known for its role in regulating mitosis and monitoring DNA damage to control tumor division.

Mitosis (Impact on Cancer)

The process of cell division that becomes dysregulated in cancer cells, leading to rapid and uncontrolled growth.

Tumor

An abnormal mass of tissue that results from cells dividing more than they should or not dying when they should.

Carcinoma in situ

A group of abnormal cells that remain confined to their site of origin and have not invaded nearby tissue.

Malignant

A term describing cells that are cancerous, characterized by the ability to invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

Dysplasia

The presence of abnormal cell types within a tissue, which can be a precursor to the development of cancer.

Benign

A condition or growth that is not cancerous and does not spread to other parts of the body.

Tumor Classification (Prefixes)

A method of naming tumors based on their location of origin, using specific prefixes correlated with the tissue type.

Hallmarks of Cancer Cells

The distinctive biological characteristics and behaviors acquired by cells during the development of cancer.

Systemic Symptoms

Whole-body symptoms that occur as a result of tumor development within the organism.

Germline Mutations

Hereditary genetic changes passed from parents to offspring that are involved in the development of tumors.

Risk Factors

Environmental, lifestyle, or genetic elements identified as increasing the likelihood of cancer development.

Cancer-causing Viruses

Specific viruses that are capable of inducing cancer by altering the genetic material of the host cell.