Cancer

Cancer

Cancer is a group of diseases

characterized by uncontrolled or
abnormal cell proliferation.
When cells in a part of the body divide without
control, the excess tissue that develops is called a
tumor or neoplasm.

The study of tumors is called as Oncology

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1. Types of Tumours

Benign and Malignant

Types of Tumours

Benign Malignant
• • A cancerous neoplasm is called a malignant
A benign tumor is a neoplasm that does
not metastasize. An example is a wart. tumor or malignancy. One property of most
• These cells lack contact inhibition. malignant tumors is their ability to undergo
metastasis, the spread of cancerous cells to other
parts of the body.
• They lack contact inhibition and show metastasis.

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 Genes that regulate cell growth

Proto-oncogenes Tumour suppressor Suicide genes

genes These genes promote
These genes control cell
These genes inhibit the apoptosis( programmed
proliferation. When mutated
cell proliferation. When cell death). When mutated
or hyper-activated, they
mutated or inhibited, they or inhibited, they cause
cause oncogenic
lead to tumour oncogenic transformation
transformation

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2. Types of Cancers

Carcinoma
Cancer of epithelial tissue
Types of Cancers
Lymphoma
Cancer of lymphatic
tissue.
E.g. Burkitt’s lymphoma:
reciprocal translocation
between chr: 8 and 14.
Melonoma
Cancer of skin cells
Sarcoma
Cancer of muscle or
connective tissue
Leukemia
Cancer of blood cells.
E.g. CML: reciprocal
translocation of chr:22
and 9. The abnormal
chr:22 is called as
Philadelphia
chromosome.
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3. Causes of Cancers
 Chemical
Physical tobacco ( nitroso
dimethyl amine),
Sharp teeth- tongue cancer
pesticides, hormonal
imbalance etc.

Carcinogens Radiations
Biological
viral oncogenes- they X-rays, Gamma rays,
produce proteins which UV(non-ionizing).
may tumour suppressor
genes. E.g. HPV

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4. Diagnosis of Cancer
 Cancer Diagnosis
• Blood examination: tumour markers
such AFP, PSA, A.P
• Biopsy: Histopathological study of
tumour
• F.N.A.C: Fluid collected from tumours.
• Pap Smear: cervical swap
• X-ray: 2D image radiography
• C.T. Scan: 3D image radiography
• M.R.I: Strong magnetic fields to
visualize soft organs
• Monoclonal Antibodies: For detection
of cancer specific antigens

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5. Treatment of Cancer
 Treatment of Cancer

SURGERY RADIOTHERAPY CHEMOTHERAPY

Removal of cancerous tissue Radioactive cobalt, iodine etc. Vincristine, Vinblastin, Taxol

BIOLOGICAL
IMMUNOTHERAPY RESPONSE VIROTHERAPY
MODIFIERS
Use of monoclonal antibodies Viruses to destroy the
Alpha interferon to activate cancerous cells
tumour suppression.

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Thanks!

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