Neoplasia and Cancer Development

Flashcards covering key terminology and concepts related to neoplasia, cancer development, and genetics.

Neoplasia

A disorder of cell proliferation, differentiation, and death.

Benign Neoplasm

Well-differentiated cells that resemble the tissue of origin, slow growth, non-invasive, and no metastasis.

Malignant Neoplasm

Undifferentiated, anaplastic cells with variable growth rates, capable of invasion and metastasis.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that eliminates damaged cells.

Cancer

A collection of disorders characterized by uncontrolled cell growth.

Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes that inhibit cell proliferation; mutations can lead to loss of function.

Proto-oncogenes

Genes that normally stimulate cell proliferation; when mutated, they become oncogenes leading to excessive cell growth.

Angiogenesis

The development of new blood vessels, allowing tumors to grow and receive nutrients.

Metastasis

The spread of cancer cells from the site of the original tumor to distant tissues and organs.

Multi-hit Model of Carcinogenesis

The theory that cancer develops through the accumulation of multiple genetic mutations over time.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

A DNA virus that can lead to cervical cancer by integrating into the host genome and affecting tumor suppressor genes.

Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)

An inherited condition leading to colon cancer due to mutations in the APC tumor suppressor gene.

Carcinogenesis

The process by which normal cells are transformed into cancer cells.

Cell Cycle Checkpoints

Control mechanisms in the cell cycle that ensure proper division; malfunction leads to cancer.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)

A signal protein that stimulates the formation of blood vessels in tumors.

Oncogenes

Mutated proto-oncogenes that stimulate unregulated cell proliferation.

Dysplasia

An abnormality in cell growth and differentiation, often a precursor to neoplasia.