Chapter 6- Cancer

TNM System

-T-tumor, the size and invasion onto surrounding tissue -N-extent of lymph node metastasis -M-wheather distant metastasis has occurred

colon cancer

-cancer that is cured in 50% of patients by surgical removal

initiation

-cells must undergo this alteration to acquire autonomous growth potential -stimulated by carcinogens which may be physical, chemical or biologic agents

progression

-follows promotion -acquisition of additional DNA mutations

local manifestations

-relate to symptoms at the cancer site -ex. pain

systemic manifestations

-relate to symptoms not limited to the cancer site -ex. anemia

tumor suppressor genes

-supposed to be kept in check by oncogenes -there can be mutations that prevent them from functioning properly

promotion

-the step after initiation and is the selective growth of the initiated cells

lung cancer

-treatment is relatively ineffective-a 13% 5 year survival rate

chemotherapy

-treatment using chemicals by cytotoxic and other drugs

radiation therapy

-treatment using x-ray or similar forms of radiation

oncogenes

-turned on by initiator -leads to proliferation of the cell through growth enhancing products

-oncogenes -tumor suppressor genes -other target genes -initiating agents

Prevention and cure of cancer can be a complex task that depends on the discovery of?

-type of cancer -extent of spread at the time of discovery -efficacy of existing therapy

The prognosis of cancer depends on several items?

-surgical removal -radiation therapy -chemotherapy

What are 3 cancer treatments?

basal and squamous skin cell carinomas

What are the most common cancers are?

-biopsy -blood smear -cytology -radiologic exam -endoscopic exam

What tests can help make a diagnosis for cancer?