Cancer Basics and Disease Management

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the fundamental definitions of cancer, its growth and spreading mechanisms, known viral causes, and the phases of disease management.

Cancer

One of several diseases where cells grow abnormally and lack characteristics of normal programmed cell death.

Tumor

A lump or mass formed when cells start to grow out of control and begin to crowd out normal cells.

Malignant

The term used to describe cancerous lumps or tumors.

Basement membrane

The barrier between the epithelium of the organ and the parenchyma.

Parenchyma

The functional part of the organ containing blood vessels and lymphatic channels that provide nutrients for growth.

In situ

A tumor located in the epithelium that has no potential to spread at that point and may stay in that state indefinitely.

Invasive (Infiltrating)

A tumor that has pushed through the basement membrane and has the potential to spread through blood vessels and lymphatic channels.

Invasion

The direct extension of cancer cells into adjacent tissues.

Metastasis

The process where cancer cells penetrate into blood and lymphatic vessels and are carried into the circulatory system to other parts of the body such as the Liver, Lung, or Brain.

HPV

One of the viruses identified as a known cause that can lead to cancer.

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)

A specific virus identified in the lecture that can lead to cancer.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) & Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)

Viruses recognized as potential causes for the development of cancer.

HIV

A virus listed as a factor that can lead to the development of cancer.

Human Herpes Virus 8 (HHV-8)

A virus specified in the notes as a cause that can lead to cancer.

Cancer Disease Management

The complete process involving Diagnosis, Treatment, and Follow Up to assess disease status.

Types of Cancer Therapy

The treatment methods mentioned including Surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy, Hormone Therapy, and Immunotherapy.