Difference between revisions of "Cancer"
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==Clinical features of cancer== | ==Clinical features of cancer== | ||
#Uncontrolled growth (compared to normal tissue). | |||
*Direct invasion/destruction of tissue. | #*Autonomous growth - without external stimulus. | ||
#Direct invasion/destruction of tissue. | |||
#Metastases. | |||
==Theory== | ==Theory== | ||
Revision as of 02:48, 8 September 2011
Cancer is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. It keeps pathologists busy.
This article deals with general concepts in cancer. Specific forms of cancer are described by the site from which they arise. This article discusses cancers of unknown primary.
Definition of cancer
Robbins definition of cancer:[1]
- Tumour with the capacity to:
- Invade (infiltrate) and destroy adjacent tissue.
- Spread to other sites (metastasize).
Notes:
- Tumour = abnormal mass of tissue.[1]
- Neoplasm = literally "new growth"; used interchangeably with tumour.[1]
Tumours
Tumours per Robbins[1] consist of:
- Clonal expansions.
- Stromal components - controlled by the clonal component.
Clinical features of cancer
- Uncontrolled growth (compared to normal tissue).
- Autonomous growth - without external stimulus.
- Direct invasion/destruction of tissue.
- Metastases.
Theory
- Cancer results from an accumulation of driver mutations.
- It is thought that approximately seven driver mutations are required.[2]
Cancers of unknown primary
Clinical history
- Past history of cancer, i.e. is it a recurrence?
- Family history of cancer?
- Symptoms/presentation.
- Occupation & documented exposures.
- Impression from clinician(s).
Radiology/gross pathology
- Location of lesion(s).
Pathologic features
- Histomorphologic characteristics - see Basics article.
- Special stains.
- Immunohistochemistry.
- Molecular pathology.
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Mitchell, Richard; Kumar, Vinay; Fausto, Nelson; Abbas, Abul K.; Aster, Jon (2011). Pocket Companion to Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease (8th ed.). Elsevier Saunders. pp. 145. ISBN 978-1416054542.
- ↑ Nordling C (1953). "A new theory on cancer-inducing mechanism". Br J Cancer 7 (1): 68–72. doi:10.1038/bjc.1953.8. PMC 2007872. PMID 13051507. http://www.carlonordling.se/Cancer.html.