Cancer

How do neoplastic cells differ from normal cells?

Proliferate without growth signals, evade apoptosis, lose differentiation, don’t contribute to tissue function, and metastasise.

What are key differences between benign and malignant tumors?

Benign tumors resemble original tissue, grow slowly, don’t metastasize, and rarely recur. Malignant tumors have anaplastic cells, grow rapidly, metastasize, and often recur.

How does underexpression of tumor suppressor genes contribute to cancer development?

Tumor suppressor genes normally regulate growth and prevent tumors. Underexpression or mutation leads to loss of growth control and increased cancer risk.

What is tumor grading?

Grading describes how much the cancer cells have differentiated. More differentiated = more aggressive.

What does staging describe?

The location and pattern of spread of a tumour. Includes size, metastasis, and organ involvement.

Proto-oncogenes are normally involved in regulating cell growth and division. There are four components:

1. Growth factors

2. Receptors

3. Cystoplasmic signalling molecules

4. Nuclear transcription factors.