HMI Last minute study guide

Structural differences of cancer cells

Irregular shape; large nucleus; lack of differentiation

Uncontrolled mitosis danger

Leads to tumor growth and disrupts normal body function

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that removes damaged cells

Cause of cancer at genetic level

Mutations in DNA

Oncogene

A mutated gene that promotes uncontrolled cell growth

Tumor suppressor genes

Slow or stop cell division

DNA repair genes

Fix damaged DNA

Are cancer mutations always inherited?

No, many are acquired during life

DNA microarray measures

Gene expression levels

Why mRNA is used

Shows which genes are active

Fluorescent color change meaning

Indicates level of gene expression

How microarrays help doctors

Identify genes to target treatments

Pearson correlation coefficient

Measures strength and direction of relationship

r close to +1

Strong positive correlation

r close to -1

Strong negative correlation

Why correlation is useful

Finds relationships in cancer data

X-ray

Best for bones

CT scan

Cross-sectional X-ray images

MRI

Uses magnets and radio waves

Ultrasound

Uses sound waves

PET scan

Shows metabolic activity

Why imaging tools matter

Detect and locate tumors

Four cancer risk factors

Smoking; UV exposure; poor diet; genetics

Modifiable risk factors

Smoking; diet; sun exposure

Three prevention strategies

Wear sunscreen; healthy diet; avoid smoking

Why screenings are important

Early detection improves survival

Mammogram

Breast cancer

Pap smear

Cervical cancer

Colonoscopy

Colon cancer

PSA test

Prostate cancer

Skin exam

Skin cancer

Three types of skin cancer

Basal cell; squamous cell; melanoma

Most dangerous skin cancer

Melanoma because it spreads quickly

A (ABCDE)

Asymmetry

B (ABCDE)

Border irregularity

C (ABCDE)

Color variation

D (ABCDE)

Diameter >6mm

E (ABCDE)

Evolving shape/size

Genetic marker

A DNA sequence linked to a trait or disease

Use of genetic markers

Identify risk and guide treatment

Two cancer-related genes

BRCA1; BRCA2

Surgery

Removes tumor

Chemotherapy

Kills rapidly dividing cells

Radiation therapy

Uses radiation to destroy cancer cells

Immunotherapy

Boosts immune system to fight cancer

Targeted therapy

Targets specific cancer cell molecules

Why combination therapy

More effective than single treatment

Prosthetic device

Artificial body part

Myoelectric prosthetic

Uses muscle signals to control movement

Biofeedback

Training to control body functions

Two uses of biofeedback

Reduce stress; manage pain

Goal of occupational therapy

Help with daily activities

Two OT activities

Dressing; eating

Focus of physical therapy

Improve movement and strength

Two PT goals

Restore mobility; reduce pain

How everything works together

Genetics identifies risk, diagnostics detect cancer, treatments remove it, rehabilitation restores function