Cancer Biology and Tumor Classification

These flashcards cover key concepts related to cancer biology, tumor classification, risk factors, and the importance of tumor markers and staging.

What is the difference between benign and malignant tumors?

Benign tumors grow slowly, are well-differentiated, encapsulated, and do not spread, while malignant tumors grow rapidly, are poorly differentiated, invasive, and can metastasize.

Define proto-oncogene.

A proto-oncogene is a normal gene that directs protein synthesis and cellular growth.

What is an oncogene?

An oncogene is a mutated gene that leads to uncontrolled cell growth.

Describe tumor suppressor genes.

Tumor suppressor genes encode proteins that prevent proliferation in their normal state and are also referred to as anti-oncogenes.

What does grading of a tumor involve?

Grading evaluates the histologic characterization of a tumor, assessing the degree of anaplasia to predict its malignant potential.

What is carcinogenesis?

Carcinogenesis is the process by which normal cells undergo transformation to become cancerous due to genetic alterations.

What are some risk factors for cancer?

Risk factors for cancer include increasing age, tobacco use, poor nutrition, UV radiation exposure, certain viruses, and environmental toxins.

What are the six hallmarks of cancer cells?

The six hallmarks include self-sufficiency in growth signals, insensitivity to anti-growth signals, evasion of apoptosis, limitless proliferative ability, sustained angiogenesis, and tissue invasion and metastasis.

What is the significance of tumor markers?

Tumor markers are substances produced by tumors that help in diagnosis, monitoring treatment, and predicting outcomes.

What is the TNM staging system?

The TNM staging system describes the size of the primary tumor (T), involvement of lymph nodes (N), and presence of distant metastases (M).