Unit 3.1 Study Guide: Fighting cancer

Flashcards about Imaging Types, Risk Factors, Genetic Markers, Cancer Definitions, and Cancer Detection and Staging.

X-ray

Imaging technique using x-ray photons to visualize the inside of the body.

CT scan

Imaging technique that provides cross-sectional images inside the body.

MRI Scans

Detailed, three-dimensional images, which can be expensive and time-consuming, used to look at soft tissue issues

Bone Scan

Two-dimensional images of bones showing increased or decreased bone activity with tracers.

Radiology

Medical specialty using imaging.

Radiographer

Technician who operates MRI/CT machines.

BRCA 1-2

Tumor suppressor gene, chromosome 13 linked to breast and ovarian cancer.

Sporadic Cancer

Cancer occurring occasionally, singly, or in scattered instances (random).

Hereditary Cancer

Inherited disorder with a higher-than-normal chance of developing cancer, often before age 50.

Familial Cancer

Cancer that occurs more often than expected within a family, possibly due to environmental or genetic factors (not determined by genes).

ABCDE of Melanoma Detection

A = 1/2 of spot doesn't match the other half, B = edges are uneven, jagged, or blunt, C = color is not the same all over, D = spot is larger than a pencil eraser 6mm, E = spot changes in size, shape, color over time

Genetic Marker

A DNA sequence with a known physical location on a chromosome that can help link an inherited disease with a responsible gene.

Cancer

Uncontrolled cell growth due to mutations in genes that regulate the cell cycle.

Mutation

A change in DNA sequence that can disrupt normal cell function.

In Situ Cancer

Cancer that hasn't spread beyond its original tissue.

Angiogenesis

The formation of new blood vessels surrounding a malignant tumor to feed the tumor.

Metastasize

When tissue spreads to other parts of the body.

Malignant Tumor

Cancerous tumor that invades other tissues.

Benign Tumor

Non-cancerous tumor that doesn't spread.

Prophylactic Surgeries

Preventative removal of tissue for high-risk cancer patients.

Mammogram

X-ray of the breast used to detect tumors.

Colonoscopy

Camera inserted rectally to find colon polyps or cancer.

FOBT

Fecal occult blood test; detects blood in stool.

Pap Test

Detects abnormal cell growth or changes in the cervix.

HPV Test

Detects HPV strains by looking for the presence of the viruses' DNA or RNA in the sample.

PSA Blood Test

Measures prostate-specific antigen for prostate cancer.

Stage 0 Cancer

Cancer is present but has not spread beyond its point of occurrence.

Stage 1 Cancer

Cancer is small and contained in the original tissues.

Stage 2 Cancer

Cancer has grown larger or spread to nearby lymph nodes, but not distant.

Stage 3 Cancer

Cancer has grown deeply into surrounding tissues but is not distant.

Stage 4 Cancer

Cancer has spread to distant organs.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Common skin cancer, slow-growing, and rarely spreads.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Skin cancer in squamous cells, rarely spreads.

Melanoma

Most dangerous type of skin cancer, has a tendency to metastasize fast.