The Cell Cycle & Uncontrolled Cell Division and Differentiation

During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur, and what is the chromosomal status of the cell afterward?

S phase; diploid

Which of the following best explains how a proto-oncogene becomes an oncogene?

It undergoes mutation and begins to accelerate cell division.

Which pair of genes have opposite functions in the regulation of the cell cycle?

Proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes

Why do cancer cells often have the ability to divide indefinitely, unlike normal cells?

They replace telomeres, preventing shortening during division.

What makes photodynamic therapy distinct from traditional cancer treatments?

It uses light-sensitive drugs and lasers to destroy cancer cells.

What is the most important factor in the development of cancer according to the notes?

Age

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of dysplasia?

Invades surrounding tissues

Which statement best describes why cells differentiate despite having the same DNA?

They express different genes based on function and location.

Which statement best explains the role of tumor suppressor genes in cancer prevention?

They inhibit uncontrolled cell division.

Which diagnostic method is used specifically to detect cervical cancer at an early stage?

Pap test

What distinguishes a benign tumor from a malignant one?

Benign tumors remain localized and are surrounded by connective tissue.

What two conditions must occur simultaneously for cancer to develop?

The cell must divide uncontrollably and break away from surrounding cells.

Why is pancreatic cancer one of the deadliest forms of cancer?

It has the lowest survival rate and is usually asymptomatic.

Which treatment specifically involves using lasers to activate drug toxicity inside cancer cells?

Photodynamic therapy

What is the role of angiogenesis inhibitors in cancer treatment?

Block blood vessel formation to starve tumors

Which cancer is primarily diagnosed through a digital rectal exam and PSA blood test?

Prostate cancer

Which factor is classified as a teratogen rather than a carcinogen?

Substance that causes fetal developmental mutations

Telomeres

Regulate and limit the number of times a cell can divide by protecting chromosome ends.

Cytokinesis

Division of the cytoplasm resulting in two daughter cells.

Oncogene

A mutated version of a proto-oncogene that drives uncontrolled cell division.

G0 Phase

A resting state where the cell exits the cycle and no longer divides.

Tumor Suppressor Gene

A gene that inhibits the cell cycle and prevents uncontrolled division.

Hyperplasia

Substantial increase in the rate of cell division.

Metastasis

The spread of cancer cells to distant organs or tissues.

Immunotherapy

A cancer treatment that stimulates the body's immune response to target cancer cells.

Dysplasia

Abnormal changes in cell shape or structure; a precancerous condition.

S Phase

The part of the cell cycle where DNA replication occurs.

Carcinogen

A substance that causes mutations in DNA and may lead to cancer.

Meiosis

A process that produces haploid gametes in the gonads.

Interphase

The stage where the cell spends most of its life and prepares for division.

Differentiation

The process by which cells become specialized for specific functions.

Mitosis

The division of a cell’s nucleus to produce genetically identical daughter cells.

Chemotherapy

Use of cytotoxic drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.

Leukemia

A cancer of the blood characterized by anemia and diagnosed by bone marrow biopsy.

Starving Cancers (Anti-Angiogenic Therapy)

Cancer treatment that prevents tumors from developing a blood supply.

Dysplasia

Abnormal structural changes in cells considered a precancerous condition.

Metastasis

The spread of cancer cells from one body region to another.

Which of the following best describes the process of transcription?

Conversion of DNA to mRNA

Which process involves the conversion of mRNA into proteins?

Translation

Which of the following factors is considered an internal contributor to cancer development?

Hormone imbalance

A 65-year-old woman with postmenopausal obesity is at increased risk for which type of cancer?

Breast cancer

Which symptom is most commonly associated with bladder cancer?

Blood in the urine

What is the most accurate way to detect kidney cancer based on the notes?

CT scan or ultrasound

Transcription

The process of copying DNA into mRNA.

Translation

The process of building proteins based on the mRNA sequence.

Uterine Cancer

Cancer of the endometrial lining, often causing abnormal bleeding.

Internal Risk Factors

Non-environmental contributors to cancer, such as hormone levels or immune dysfunction.

Bladder Cancer

Cancer associated with blood in urine and linked to smoking and environmental toxins.

A 52-year-old patient presents with blood in the stool and recent rectal bleeding. He lives a sedentary lifestyle and has a family history of gastrointestinal conditions. Upon examination, a mass is found in the lower digestive tract.

Based on the symptoms and location, what is the most likely diagnosis?

Colon/Rectal Cancer

A 66-year-old woman reports unexplained weight loss, intermittent fever, and persistent itching around her neck. A physical exam reveals enlarged lymph nodes in the cervical and axillary regions.

Which condition best fits this patient's symptoms and findings?

Lymphoma