Principles of Pathology: Molecular Causes of Carcinogenesis

This set of flashcards covers vocabulary and key concepts relating to the molecular causes of carcinogenesis and the factors contributing to cancer development.

Carcinogen

Any agent that produces cancer.

Genotoxic Carcinogens

Carcinogens that directly damage DNA and can cause mutations.

Non-Genotoxic Carcinogens

Agents that do not directly damage DNA but can cause cancer through secondary effects.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Organic compounds with multiple fused aromatic rings, known for their carcinogenic properties.

Aflatoxin B1

A potent carcinogen produced by certain fungi, linked to liver cancer.

Tumour Promotion

The process by which a substance increases the growth of cancer cells without being carcinogenic itself.

Initiating Agent

A substance that directly causes mutations leading to cancer.

Chronic Inflammation Carcinogenesis

Cancer development that occurs due to prolonged inflammation in tissues.

Environmental Mutagens

Agents from the environment that can cause mutations leading to cancer.

Phorbol Esters

Chemical compounds that can promote cancer by stimulating cell growth.

Oestrogens

Hormones that can stimulate the proliferation of certain epithelial cells and may be related to cancer.

Xeno-oestrogens

Synthetic compounds that mimic oestrogens and may contribute to hormonal carcinogenesis.

Viral Carcinogenesis

The process by which viruses stimulate cancer development.

Oncoviruses

Viruses that can cause cancer, often through integration of their DNA into the host genome.

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)

A virus linked to several types of cancer, including Burkitt lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

A virus associated with cervical cancer and other genital tumors.

Schistosomiasis

A parasitic infection that can lead to bladder cancer.

Helicobacter pylori

A bacterium linked to gastric cancer and gastric ulcers.

Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1)

A hormone that promotes cell growth, potentially linked to cancer progression.

Antioxidants

Substances that can prevent or slow damage to cells caused by free radicals.

DNA Damage

Alterations to the DNA that can lead to mutations and cancer.

Carcinogen Uptake

The process by which carcinogens enter the body and cells.

Tumour Initiation

The first step in the carcinogenesis process where genetic mutations occur.

Tumour Promotion Factors

Substances that enhance the development of cancer after an initiating event.

Chronic Ulcer

A long-lasting injury to tissue which can promote cancer development.

Benzene

A chemical known to cause various types of leukemia.

Cyclophosphamide

An anti-cancer drug that is also a genotoxic carcinogen.

Benzo[a]pyrene

A polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon known for its carcinogenic properties.

Inflammatory Carcinogenesis

Cancer onset associated with prolonged inflammation or irritation.

Tax Gene

A viral oncogene associated with some leukemias and lymphomas.

Reverse Transcriptase

An enzyme used by retroviruses to convert RNA into DNA.

Acute Transforming Oncogenic RNA Virus

A virus that can directly induce cancer by transferring oncogenes into host cells.

Slow Transforming Oncogenic RNA Virus

Viruses that induce cancer over time, often requiring viral promoter integration.

Hepatitis B Virus

A virus linked to liver cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Bacterial Carcinogenesis

Cancer development as a result of bacterial infections.

Cancer Etiology

The study of factors that contribute to cancer development.

IARC

International Agency for Research on Cancer, responsible for cancer research and data.

Carcinogenic Agents

Substances or exposures that can lead to cancer development.

Latency Period

The time between exposure to a carcinogen and the diagnosis of cancer.

Anticarcinogens

Substances that can inhibit carcinogenesis.

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)

Chemicals that can cause DNA damage and contribute to cancer.

Prostaglandins

Lipid compounds that can promote inflammation and may influence cancer progression.

Tumor Clones

Cells that have undergone mutations leading to cancer.

Casual Factors in Cancer

Contributing elements that lead to the initiation and progression of cancer.

Bacterial Infections and Cancer

The relationship between certain bacteria and the development of cancer.