CELL BIOLOGY & GENES
What is differentiation?
The two major dysfunctions in cancer are defective cell proliferation and defective cell this
The percentage of cancers that are attributed to genetic predisposition (inherited)
5 to 10%
The letter in the TNM system that describes whether the cancer has spread to regional lymph nodes
N (Nodes)
Chemotherapy is considered this type of treatment because it is delivered throughout the body
Systemic
This is the ultimate, #1 goal of cancer treatment
Cure
What is contact inhibition?
This normal property of cell growth is ignored by cancer cells, allowing them to divide when crowded.
Progression?
The final stage of cancer development where tumor invasion and metastasis occur.
The letter and number used in the TNM system to indicate cancer that is in situ (localized to the tissue of origin).
T and 1
The goal of cancer treatment aimed at slowing progression without achieving a full cure
Radiation therapy is considered this type of treatment because its effects are confined to a specific area
Local
What are Tumor Suppressor Genes?
These normal genes, sometimes called the "brakes" of the cell cycle, become inactive when mutated in cancer.
This is the initial stage where a permanent mutation occurs in the cell's genetic structure after exposure to a carcinogen
Initiation
Well-Differentiated
This characteristic of a benign neoplasm means its cells closely resemble the tissue of origin
Nadir
This is the term for the lowest point of blood cell counts, especially white blood cells, after chemotherapy
Palliative
The type of surgery aimed at relieving symptoms, such as an operation to relieve an obstruction or decrease a tumor's size
What is Apoptosis?
The process of programmed cell death that damaged cancer cells fail to undergo.
The most common organ site for metastasis, along with the liver, bone, adrenals, and brain/CSF
Lungs
This classification system uses G1 to G4 to describe the degree of cellular differentiation, or how abnormal the cells look.
Histologic Classification (or Grading)
The acronym in the CAUTION mnemonic that stands for A sore that doesn't heal.
A
Brachytherapy
The type of radiation therapy, also called internal radiation, that uses implanted radioactive materials.
This term describes a malignant cell that is undifferentiated, meaning it bears little resemblance to the tissue of origin.
Anaplasia (or Poorly Differentiated)
Hyperplasia
This term describes growth that causes tissue to increase in size by increasing the number of cells, a characteristic seen in defective cell proliferation
Clinical Staging
The term for the overall stage of the cancer that is determined by the doctor before the start of definitive treatment, often noted with a 'c', such as cT1.
Extravasation
The name of the serious complication that occurs when a chemotherapy vesicant infiltrates the surrounding tissue
ALARA
The safety principle used for managing exposure during brachytherapy, standing for As Low As Reasonably Achievable.