PLTW 2.2.1 Bothersome Bumps

Fine needle Aspiration Biopsy:

Using a needle attached to a syringe to collect a small amount of tissue.

Excisional Biopsy:

Removal of an entire tumor.

Shave Biopsy:

Using a sharp tool to remove tissue from the skin’s surface.

Punch Biopsy:

Using a punch, a sharp, circular tool, to remove a sample from below the skin surface.

Endoscopic Biopsy:

Using a small, thin, flexible, tube called an endoscope which has a light, camera, and forceps to see inside the body and remove tissue samples.

Benign:

A benign tumor is a non-cancerous growth that does not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body, often requiring monitoring rather than aggressive treatment.

Malignant

A malignant tumor, on the other hand, is cancerous, capable of invading nearby tissues and spreading to other areas through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, necessitating immediate and often aggressive treatment.

Cancer:

Cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and division of abnormal cells, which can form tumors or spread throughout the body, affecting various organs and systems.

Mestasis:

The process by which cancer cells break away from the original tumor, travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and establish new tumors in distant organs, significantly complicating treatment and prognosis.

• Tumors – Abnormal growths of cells that form masses or lumps in the body. They can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

• Benign – A non-cancerous tumor that does not spread to other parts of the body. It typically grows slowly and is not life-threatening unless it presses on vital organs.

• Malignant – A cancerous tumor that can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. It tends to grow rapidly and aggressively.

• Cancer – A disease where cells grow uncontrollably and can invade nearby tissues or spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body.

• Metastasis – The process by which cancer spreads from its original location to other parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic system.

• Biopsy – A medical procedure in which a small sample of tissue is taken from the body to be examined under a microscope to determine if it is cancerous or not.

How does differential diagnosis help a doctor determine appropriate treatments for their patient?

Differential diagnosis is a method used by doctors to distinguish between diseases with similar symptoms. By systematically ruling out possible conditions based on tests, medical history, and physical exams, doctors can accurately diagnose a patient’s illness and prescribe the most effective treatment. This ensures that the patient receives the correct care while avoiding unnecessary or harmful treatments.

Characteristics of Healthy vs. Cancerous Cells in a Tissue Sample:

• Healthy Cells:

  • Uniform shape and size

  • Organized structure with clear boundaries

  • Controlled growth and division

  • Normal-sized nuclei

• Cancerous Cells:

  • Irregular shape and size

  • Disorganized structure with overlapping or chaotic growth

  • Uncontrolled, rapid division

  • Larger, darker nuclei (indicating abnormal genetic activity)