| Often, the multiple
genetic changes which result in cancer may take many years to
accumulate. During this time, the biological behavior of the
pre-malignant cells slowly change from the properties of normal
cells to cancer-like properties. Pre-malignant tissue can have a
distinctive appearance under the microscope. Among the
distinguishing traits are an increased number of dividing cells,
variation in nuclear size and shape, variation in cell size and
shape, loss of specialized cell features, and loss of normal
tissue organization. Dysplasia is an abnormal type of excessive
cell proliferation characterized by loss of normal tissue
arrangement and cell structure in pre-malignant cells. These
early neoplastic changes must be distinguished from hyperplasia,
a reversible increase in cell division caused by an external
stimulus, such as a hormonal imbalance or chronic irritation.
The most severe cases of dysplasia are referred to as "carcinoma
in situ." In Latin, the term "in situ" means "in place", so
carcinoma in situ refers to an uncontrolled growth of cells that
remains in the original location and has not shown invasion into
other tissues. Nevertheless, carcinoma in situ may develop into
an invasive malignancy and is usually removed surgically, if
possible.
Pathophysiology Cancer
cell biology Clonal evolution >>
|
Cancer
Classification
1. Nomenclature
2. Adult cancers
3. Childhood cancers
Signs and symptoms
Diagnosis
1. Investigation
2. Biopsy
Treatment
1. Surgery
2. Radiation therapy
3. Chemotherapy
4. Targeted therapies
5. Immunotherapy
6. Hormonal therapy
7. Symptom control
8. Complementary and alternative
9. Treatment trials
Prognosis
1. Emotional impact
Causes
1. Chemical carcinogens
2. Ionizing radiation &
Infectious diseases
3. Hormonal imbalances
& Immune system dysfunction
4. Heredity & Other causes
Pathophysiology
1. Epigenetics
2. Oncogenes
3. Tumor suppressor genes
4. Cancer cell biology
4.1 Clonal evolution
4.2 Biological properties of cancer cells
Prevention
1. Modifiable ("lifestyle") risk factors
2. Diet
3. Vitamins
4. Chemoprevention
5. Genetic testing
6. Vaccination
7. Screening
Epidemiology
History
Research |
