EXAM 2 | BIO OF YOU

At what level does cancer occur?

Cancer is a physiological disease that occurs at the cellular level.

What ultimately controls the activities of a cell?

The activities of a cell are under the control of the DNA in the cell.

What are the characteristics of cancer cells?

Cancer cells are atypical and: Look different (irregular shape, larger nuclei with more genetic material); Are immortal while the victim is alive; Lose the ability to specialize.

What are tumors?

Masses of unspecialized cells are called tumors.

What are the two types of tumors?

Tumors can be benign or malignant.

What is angiogenesis?

As tumor cells grow, they require oxygen and nutrients, chemicals are released and capillaries grow toward the tumor.

What is metastasis?

The spread of cancer to other parts of the body.

How do tumor cells spread through the body?

Capillaries and lymphatic vessels may carry tumor cells to other parts of the body where angiogenesis may occur.

What do doctors use to grade cancers?

Doctors use a number system based on: Size of tumor; Has tumor spread to nearby tissues; Has cancer spread to nearby lymph nodes; Has cancer moved to other organs.

What characterizes Stage 0–1 cancer?

Tumor is limited to a very small area and only nearby lymph nodes, if any, are involved.

What characterizes Stage 2 cancer?

Tumor has become invasive and has grown, but is still located entirely within the breast, lymph nodes may be involved.

What characterizes Stage 3 cancer?

Tumor has moved out of the breast tissue, but has not spread to distant organs, lymph nodes are involved.

What characterizes Stage 4 cancer?

Cancer has fully metastasized and spread to organs outside the breast; the cancer is incurable.

What is homeostasis?

The body’s ability to maintain a constant internal environment, including pH, temperature, and blood chemistry.

How does cancer disrupt homeostasis?

Tumors: Take up space in organs; Block blood and lymphatic vessels and ducts; Require oxygen and nutrients, depriving nearby tissues.

What are the three basic ways to test for cancer?

Bodily examination; Screenings; Scanning.

What is a screening mammogram?

X-ray of breast and surrounding tissues that looks for abnormalities associated with cancer.

What is a CT scan?

X-ray of organs with pictures from multiple angles that are used to generate a 3D image.

What is a PET scan?

Uses radioactive tracers to measure the metabolism of cells; cancer cells are more active and stand out.

What is an MRI?

Uses radio waves and magnets to generate detailed images of the body.

What does a complete blood count (CBC) test look for?

The presence of normal blood cells and basic blood chemistry.

What can indicate cancer in blood tests?

Elevated number of white blood cells (leukemia); Changes in blood chemistry; Specific proteins associated with cancer (e.g., PSA).

What is genetic testing for cancer?

Mutations in cancer causing genes can be tested for.

What is chemotherapy?

The use of drugs to treat disease.

How does chemotherapy treat cancer?

Targets the cell cycle to prevent cell division in rapidly dividing cells.

What does radiation therapy do?

Damages the DNA within a cell, slowing down or stopping cell division.

What are the three types of radiation therapy?

External radiation therapy; Internal radiation therapy; Systemic radiation treatment.

What is immunotherapy?

Convincing the body’s immune system to identify and eliminate its cancer cells as “nonself” instead of “self.”

What are cancer vaccines?

Modified viruses used to initiate an immune response against cancer cells.

What are monoclonal antibodies?

Antibodies created to target specific cancer antigens and attack only cancer cells.

What is genome editing therapy?

Targets specific sequences in DNA for editing using CRISPR.