Lesson 3 Neoplasms

anemia

a lack of healthy red blood cells which causes one to feel tired and weak

angiogenesis

the growth of new blood vessels

anorexia

a loss of appetite

antigens

a substance (usually glycoproteins) that cause the production of antibodies (inducing the immune response in the body)

antineoplastic drugs

medications used in the treatment of cancer by acting to prevent the development, growth, and reproduction of malignant cells

basal cell carcinoma (BCC)

human's most common form of cancer; usually found on skin that has undergone prolonged exposure to the sun or other types of UV light.

benign tumors

tumors that are non-cancerous

cachexia

the wasting and weakening of the body due to a chronic illness

carcinogen

any substance/agent/mixture that can cause cancer (ex. Ultraviolet radiation).

carcinogenesis

the process by which normal cells transform into cancer cells; exhibiting changes at cellular, genetic, and epigenetic levels, as well as abnormal rates of cell division, leading to onset of cancer.

carcinoma

a type of cancer which starts in the lining of an organ or within epithelial tissue

computed tomography (CT) scan

advanced 3D X-Ray showing a more detailed map of the internal body.

curative treatment

treatment with the intent of curing not just relief of symptoms.

dysplastic cells

cells that have undergone deranged growth that results in cells that are different in shape, size and organization; can be a precursor of cancer.

glial cells

cells that surround the neurons to support them, provide nutrients and oxygen, 'clean up' dead neurons, and insulate the neurons. Most abundant cell type of the nervous system; there are 4 types of CNS glial cells: astrocytes, ependymal cells, microglia and oligodendrocytes.

invasion

direct or indirect extension and penetration by cancer cells into neighboring tissues

laparoscope

a fiber-optic instrument used during a surgical procedure to examine internal organs through the abdomen wall or permit a surgery.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

a scanner using a giant magnet, radio waves, and a computer to produce an image of inside the body including soft tissue and organs. Used to detect abnormalities in the body including tumors, diagnose injury or disease, and check the progress of a treatment.

malignant tumors

cancerous tumors made up of rapidly growing, irregular shaped cells with large nuclei. These cells are unorganized, undifferentiated, and do not function properly.

metastasize

when cancer cells from the primary cancer break off and spread via the blood or lymph system and form a tumor with the same cancer cells as the primary cancer on another part of the body.

necrosis

the death of one or more cells from a traumatic injury, disease or interruption of sufficient blood supply localized to that part of the body.

oncogenes

a gene that has mutated with the potential to cause cancer.

oncoviruses

a cancer causing virus

palliative treatment

aimed at reducing symptoms, pain and improving quality of life.

paraneoplastic syndromes

rare disorders that are triggered by an altered immune system response to a neoplasm

procarcinogen

chemicals that are originally not carcinogenic, but after metabolization in the body happens, they become carcinogens and are then referred to as procarcinogen.

promoters

agents that cause a secondary change in DNA.

prophylactic measures

medication or treatment given as a preventative measure to stop the onset of an illness or adverse event.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)

A procedure that uses heat to destroy cancer cells. A radio wave produces an electrical current that targets specific tissue thereby heating up the area and killing cells.

sarcoma

a cancer that develops within the connective tissues resulting in a tumor.

seeding

mode of cancer cell invasion, due to tissue erosion caused by malignant tumors in body cavities.

subcutaneous tissue

composed of fat cells, blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. It plays the role of regulating body temperature, cushioning bones and muscles, and acts as fat storage.

ulceration

a lesion on the skin or mucous membrane that is an open wound.