Tumor Classification and Metastasis

These flashcards cover the key vocabulary related to tumor classification, characteristics of benign and malignant tumors, and the process of metastasis.

Benign Tumor

A tumor that is normally slow growing, well differentiated, and does not invade nearby tissues.

Malignant Tumor

A cancerous tumor that grows rapidly, invades nearby tissues, and can metastasize to other areas of the body.

OMA

A suffix used to denote benign tumors.

Sarcoma

A suffix indicating malignant tumors associated with connective tissues.

Carcinoma

A suffix indicating malignant tumors arising from epithelial tissue.

Metastasis

The transfer or spread of cancer cells from one site to another in the body.

Angiogenesis

The process by which new blood vessels form from existing ones, often used by tumors to obtain nutrients.

Hodgkin's Disease

A type of cancer named after the physician who first described it.

Apoptosis

The process of programmed cell death, which cancer cells may evade.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)

A signal protein that stimulates the formation of blood vessels, facilitating tumor growth.