Neoplasms & Cancer Signs
Pathophysiology Course
Cancer Pathophysiology
Tumor Markers (TNM)
T - Tumor Size
?
?
size of primary Tumor
?
N-
Node involvement
M-
Metastasis of primary
Lymph nodes: quick spread if involved
Risk factors
Diagnostics
Signs &
Symptoms
Memory Trick
M - Malignant
Malicious BAD (cancerous)
Metastasis (spread)
B - Benign
Staging &
Tumors maker
Test Tips
1. Rapidly growing cells
2. Lack a specific form
3. Disorganized cells that spread to other
parts of the body (metastasis)
Typically non-encapsulated
Grow slower
Encapsulated
Be nice (non cancerous)
Bogged down in 1 place
Cancer Risk factors
Family history
Genetics: Oncogenes
(mutated genes that contribute to the
development of cancer)
Viruses: Oncoviruses
(viruses that can cause cancer like HPV)
Radiation:
UV light (Sun & tanning beds)
X-rays
Biologic factors:
Hormone therapy (estrogen)
Age: over 65 yrs
Lifestyle & Habits
Diet: low in fiber
Weight: Obesity (BMI over 25)
Alcohol intake (over 2 per day)
Labs (blood tests)
Tumor marker
PSA - Prostate-Specific Antigen
Imaging
X-ray, Ultrasound, MRI, CT
Stage 0: No cancer
Stage I: Small & only in 1 area
Stage II & III: Large & has grown into
nearby tissues or lymph nodes
Stage IV: Severe! Cancer has spread to
other parts of the body (Metastasis)
Memory Trick
Early
EarlySigns
Signs
Unusual sudden Bleeding
Tumor cells can erode blood vessels
Anemia (low blood count)
Unexplained Weight Loss
C
A
U
C - Change in bowel or
A - As ore that does not heal
U - Unusual bleeding in stool
bladder habits
?
?
?
Cachexia (extreme weight loss)
Change in urine & Bowel Habits (colon cancer)
Yearly fecal occult blood test
Non-healing sore or Thickened Lump
Cough
T
I
T - Thickening lump
I - Indigestion or
difficulty swallowing
in breast or testis
Nagging, constant, persistent
Hoarseness in the voice for months
Skin changes: skin cancer or breast cancer
Skin lesions “irregular or uneven growth”
Orange peel skin with small indented areas
Difficulty swallowing and/or indigestion
Paraneoplastic syndrome
O
N
O - Orange peel skin with
N - No energy (fatigue)
Nagging cough or Voice hoarseness
small indented areas
A...B...
Substances released by tumors affect
neurological function: slurred speech, memory
loss, seizures.
Effusions (fluid build-up in body cavities)
Late Signs
1. Pain
2. Obstruction:
Digestive tract, Airflow in the bronchi
3. Tissue necrosis and ulceration
Biopsy
Most accurate in the
confirmation of malignancy
4 Stages of Cancer
Cancer
CancerManifestations
Manifestations
Fatigue (low energy)
Fever (night sweats)
Cancer Diagnostics
spread of cancer to other parts of the body
Exams
7 Early Signs of Cancer
C - Change in bowel or bladder habits
A - A sore that does not heal
U - Unusual bleeding in stool
T - Thickening lump in breast or testis
I - Indigestion or difficulty swallowing
O - Orange peel skin with small indented areas
N - No energy (fatigue)
Nagging cough or voice hoarseness