Chapter 26: Cancer Cells

These flashcards cover fundamental concepts related to cancer biology, including definitions of cancer types, mechanisms of proliferation, and diagnostic and treatment approaches.

What is cancer described as in Chapter 26?

A disease of uncontrolled cell proliferation typically caused by genetic and epigenetic alterations.

What type of cancer arises from epithelial cells?

Carcinoma.

What common types of carcinoma are mentioned?

Breast, lung, colon, and prostate cancers.

From which tissues do sarcomas arise?

Mesenchymal tissues such as bone, muscle, fat, cartilage, or connective tissue.

What is leukemia?

A cancer which arises from blood forming tissues, especially bone marrow, resulting in uncontrolled production of abnormal white blood cells.

What type of cancer arises from lymphocytes?

Lymphoma.

What is a neoplasm?

General term for abnormal tissue growth due to uncontrolled cell division.

What characterizes benign tumors?

They are non-cancerous, grow slowly, remain local, do not metastasize, but can compress neighboring tissue.

What characterizes malignant tumors?

They invade surrounding tissue, metastasize, have genomic instability, and show uncontrolled proliferation.

What are HeLa cells significant for?

They became the first successful immortalized human cell line that divides indefinitely.

What mutations are discussed as factors contributing to uncontrolled cell proliferation?

Oncogene activation, tumor suppressor gene loss, and DNA repair defects.

What growth factor-related mechanism contributes to uncontrolled proliferation?

Growth signal autonomy.

What is angiogenesis?

Formation of new blood vessels to supply tumors.

How do cadherins relate to cancer spread?

Loss of cadherins makes cells less adherent and more motile, contributing to local invasion and metastasis.

What is metastasis?

The spread of cancer cells to distant sites.

What defines carcinogens?

Substances that cause cancer.

What is the Ames Test used for?

To measure the potential of a chemical to be a mutagen and therefore a potential carcinogen.

What are the three main steps in the development of cancer?

Initiation, promotion, and progression.

What are some methods of cancer diagnosis?

Biopsy, imaging (CT, MRI, PET scans), genetic testing, and physical exams.

What treatment options are available for cancer?

Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy.