Understanding Cancer: Causes, Mechanisms, and Treatments

Cancer

A complex group of diseases affecting various cells.

Cell Division

Process by which cells replicate and grow.

Differentiation

Cells develop specialized functions and structures.

Proliferation

Cells divide to produce more cells via mitosis.

Normal Cell Cycle

Sequence of phases regulating cell growth and division.

G1 Phase

Initial growth phase before DNA synthesis.

S Phase

Phase where DNA is replicated.

G2 Phase

Preparation phase for mitosis after DNA synthesis.

Mitosis

Process of cell division producing two daughter cells.

Checkpoints

Regulatory points ensuring proper cell cycle progression.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death to eliminate damaged cells.

Undifferentiated Cells

Cells that regress to less specialized forms.

Cancer Cell Characteristics

Distinct features differentiating cancer from normal cells.

Abnormal Nuclei

Enlarged nuclei with irregular chromosome numbers.

Cell Cycle Checkpoints

Mechanisms to prevent errors during cell division.

Unlimited Replication

Cancer cells can replicate indefinitely without control.

Proto-oncogenes

Genes that promote normal cell growth and division.

Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes that inhibit cell division and prevent tumors.

Genetic Mechanisms

DNA alterations leading to cancer development.

Radiation Therapy

Cancer treatment using high-energy radiation.

Chemotherapy

Use of drugs to kill or slow cancer cell growth.

Immunotherapy

Treatment that boosts the body's immune response against cancer.

p53 Gene Therapy

Targeted therapy involving the p53 tumor suppressor gene.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death occurring after division limit.

Telomeres

Chromosome ends that shorten with each cell division.

Telomerase

Enzyme that extends telomeres, promoting cell immortality.

Malignant Tumor

Cancerous tumor that invades surrounding tissues.

Benign Tumor

Non-cancerous tumor that does not invade tissues.

Metastases

Spread of cancer cells to distant body sites.

Contact Inhibition

Normal cells stop dividing upon cell contact.

Growth Factors

Chemical signals regulating cell growth and division.

Angiogenesis

Formation of new blood vessels by tumor cells.

Proto-oncogenes

Normal genes promoting cell growth and division.

Oncogenes

Mutated proto-oncogenes causing uncontrolled cell division.

Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes that inhibit cell growth and division.

p53 Gene

Tumor suppressor gene linked to various cancers.

Carcinogenesis

Process of cancer development through mutations.

Initiation

First step of carcinogenesis involving DNA damage.

Promotion

Second step of carcinogenesis with additional mutations.

Progression

Final step of carcinogenesis leading to tumor formation.

Cell Division Rate

Cancer cells divide more rapidly than normal cells.

Invasion

Cancer cells invade surrounding tissues and blood vessels.

Cellular Abnormality

Cancer cells become structurally and functionally abnormal.

Tumor Protein 53

Key tumor suppressor gene, guardian of the genome.

Cell Checkpoint Proteins

Proteins regulating cell cycle progression and division.

Proto-oncogene

Gene promoting cell growth; acts as gas pedal.

Tumor suppressor genes

Genes inhibiting cell growth; act as brakes.

Neoplasia

New tissue growth; can be benign or malignant.

Mutation

Genetic change affecting cell function or behavior.

Germ line mutations

Mutations in gametes passed to offspring.

Somatic mutations

Mutations in body cells; may cause cancer.

Invasion

Tumor infiltrates and destroys adjacent tissues.

Metastasis

Cancer spread to distant sites via blood or lymph.

Seeding

Cancer cells spread in body fluids or membranes.

Biopsy

Tissue sample taken for cancer diagnosis.

Carcinogens

Environmental agents increasing cancer risk.

Genetic predisposition

Inherited mutations raising cancer risk.

BRCA-1 and BRCA-2

Genes increasing breast and ovarian cancer risk.

Age

Older age increases cancer risk exposure.

Hormones

Sex steroids can trigger reproductive cancers.

Obesity

Increased inflammation linked to higher cancer risk.

Reduced immunity

Lowered immune function increases cancer susceptibility.

Chemical carcinogens

Substances like tobacco causing specific cancers.

Radiation

DNA damage from ionizing and UV radiation.

Viruses

Pathogens causing cancer by disrupting cell signaling.

Angiogenesis

Formation of new blood vessels to supply tumors.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death; prevents cancer cell survival.

Pathophysiology

Study of cancer's biological mechanisms and effects.

Screening

Early detection methods to identify cancer presence.

American Cancer Society (ACS)

Organization promoting cancer awareness and early detection.

Change in bowel habits

Alterations in normal bowel function indicating potential cancer.

Sore that does not heal

Persistent wound suggesting possible malignancy.

Unusual bleeding

Abnormal discharge indicating potential cancerous conditions.

Thickening or lump

Physical changes in tissue that may signal cancer.

Indigestion

Digestive difficulties that could indicate gastrointestinal cancer.

Change in wart or mole

Alterations in skin lesions that may suggest skin cancer.

Nagging cough

Persistent cough that may indicate lung cancer.

Ovarian cancer incidence

Lower than breast cancer but higher mortality rate.

Mortality-Incidence Ratio (MIR)

Ratio of cancer deaths to new cases diagnosed.

Liquid biopsy

Non-invasive test using body fluids for cancer detection.

Histopathology

Microscopic examination of tissue for cancer diagnosis.

Imaging techniques

Methods like PET, CT, and MRI to visualize tumors.

Tumor imaging

Visual assessment of tumors using various imaging methods.

Enzyme tests

Tests for cancer markers in large populations.

Tumor grade

Classification based on cellular differentiation and prognosis.

Staging

Classification of cancer based on tumor size and spread.

Renal Cell Carcinoma

Kidney cancer often diagnosed at advanced stages.

Lung cancer statistics

Causes one-third of all cancer deaths, primarily from smoking.

Colorectal cancer diagnosis

Identified via colonoscopy and biopsy of polyps.

Conventional cancer treatment

Includes surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy methods.

Immunotherapy

Uses immune system to target and destroy cancer cells.

p53 gene therapy

Targets cancer cells lacking p53 gene for destruction.

Cancer prevention measures

Lifestyle choices to reduce cancer risk.