Module 2a: Neoplasia Primer

Flashcards covering Neoplasia primer topics: definitions, classifications, metastasis, staging, and naming conventions.

What does the term neoplasia mean?

From Greek 'neo' = new, 'plasma' = formation; refers to new, abnormal, uncontrolled tissue growth (tumour).

Why do neoplastic cells harm normal tissues?

They compete for nutrients, causing normal cells to fail and die.

What is proliferation?

Rapid reproduction of cells, characteristic of neoplasia.

How do cells become neoplastic?

Genetic mutations alter regulation of cell growth, causing uncontrolled cell division and resistance to apoptosis.

What are the three characteristics of neoplastic cells?

Autonomous – independent of growth factors; Excessive – not regulated by normal growth signals; Disorganized – abnormal tissue formation and altered function.

How does age influence neoplasia?

Older people have more exposure to mutagens; some cancers are age-linked (e.g., prostate cancer >50 years).

How does ethnicity/lifestyle factor in?

Rates may reflect diet/environment (e.g., higher stomach cancer in Japan linked to high-fermented food diet).

What is the difference between benign and malignant tumours?

Benign: localized, slow growing, not life-threatening (except by location). Malignant: cancerous, invasive, destructive, can metastasize.

Where do benign bone tumours typically occur?

In the first three decades of life; elderly bone tumours usually malignant.

What does the term 'malignant' mean and where does it come from?

From Latin 'crab,' describing finger-like projections invading healthy tissue.

What are sarcomas? Give examples.

Malignant tumours of connective tissue (bone, cartilage, blood, adipose). Examples: osteogenic sarcoma, liposarcoma, lymphangiosarcoma.

What are carcinomas? Give examples.

Malignant tumours of epithelial tissue. Examples: adenocarcinoma of lung, prostate, pancreas.

What suffix is commonly used for tumours?

'-oma' = tumour.

Give examples of benign vs malignant tumours by name.

Osteoma (benign bone), Osteosarcoma (malignant bone); Lipoma (benign fat), Liposarcoma (malignant fat).

What are the main steps in diagnosing neoplasia?

History & exam, lab tests, imaging, biopsy, and surgery.

Why is biopsy important?

Confirms benign vs malignant, shows grade/aggressiveness, and tissue invasion.

What is metastasis?

Spread of malignant cells to distant sites forming secondary tumours.

What are the 5 steps of metastasis?

Penetration, Separation, Dissemination, Establishment, Proliferation.

How do malignant cells travel?

Via bloodstream, lymphatics, or direct tissue spread.

Which tumours spread via blood vs lymph?

Sarcomas spread via blood; Carcinomas spread via lymph.

Why is cancer staging important?

Guides treatment, prognosis, communication, and clinical trial eligibility.

What 4 main factors are used in staging?

Primary tumour location, size/number, lymph node involvement, presence of metastasis.

What are the three types of staging?

Clinical, Pathologic, Restaging.

What does TNM stand for?

T = primary tumour, N = lymph node involvement, M = metastasis.

What do Tis, N0, and M1 mean?

Tis = carcinoma in situ; N0 = no lymph node involvement; M1 = distant metastasis.

What are the stages 0–IV in Roman numeral staging?

Stage 0 = in situ; Stage I = localized; Stage II = early advanced (some nodal); Stage III = late advanced (significant nodal); Stage IV = metastasized.

Which stage generally has the best prognosis?

Stage I.