oncology

• What is the primary focus of the oncology session presented by Seema Sharma in 2024?

  Understanding cancer and its management
• What are the learning outcomes of the oncology session?

  • Understand common terms used in oncology
  • Describe how cancers develop
  • Familiarize with the diagnostic process
  • Describe management options for cancer
  • Appreciate challenges in treating cancer patients
• What is cancer defined as?

  A malignant neoplasm
• What is a neoplasm?

  Abnormal proliferation of cells
• What characterizes malignancy?

  Uncontrolled growth and invasion of neighboring structures
• What is a tumour?

  A solid neoplasm
• Are all tumours considered cancers?

  No
• Do all cancers form tumours?

  No, leukaemia is an example of a malignancy without a tumour
• What is significant dysplasia in the context of pre-malignant conditions?

  Abnormal maturation of cells with a high risk of becoming cancerous
• What are benign tumours characterized by?

  Lack of malignant properties, slow growth, and no invasion or spread
• What are malignant tumours characterized by?

  Uncontrolled cellular growth, invasion of local tissues, and ability to metastasise
• How does cancer development begin?

  From one single cell
• What happens to a healthy cell when it becomes unstable?

  It self-destructs
• What can damage the genes responsible for cell division?

  Carcinogens
• What are oncogenes responsible for?

  Causing growth of cancer cells
• What do tumour suppressor genes do?

  Prevent development of cancer
• What is a carcinogen?

  A substance capable of inducing cancer in living tissue
• What are some examples of physical carcinogens?

  Ultraviolet radiation and ionising radiation
• What are some examples of chemical carcinogens?

  Tobacco smoke constituents and asbestos
• What are some biological carcinogens?

  Bacteria, viruses (e.g., HPV 16), and parasites
• What is a fundamental risk factor for cancer development?

  Ageing
• What are some lifestyle risk factors for cancer?

  Tobacco use, being overweight, low fruit intake, and lack of physical activity
• What initiates the diagnostic process for cancer?

  Signs and symptoms pointing to potential cancer
• What tests are performed for a definitive cancer diagnosis?

  Blood tests, radiography, CT scans, endoscopy, and biopsy
• What is the purpose of a biopsy?

  To examine suspected cancerous tissue and confirm the type of cancer
• What are local symptoms of cancer?

  Swelling, haemorrhage, ulceration, and pain
• What are metastatic symptoms of cancer?

  Lymphadenopathy and hepatomegaly/splenomegaly
• What are systemic symptoms of cancer?

  Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and excessive sweating
• What factors are considered for cancer diagnosis?

  Tumour type, stage, and grade
• What does the TNM classification system measure?

  The tumour size, depth of penetration, and number of involved lymph nodes
• Why is staging important in cancer diagnosis?

  It is the main predictor of survival
• What does grading measure in cancer diagnosis?

  How far from normal the cancer cells have mutated
• What characterizes Grade 1 cancer?

  Low grade, well differentiated, and grows slowly
• What characterizes Grade 2 cancer?

  Moderate grade, looks more abnormal, and grows slightly faster
• What characterizes Grade 3 cancer?

  High grade, poorly differentiated, and may grow quickly
• What is prognosis in cancer diagnosis?

  A measure of the survivability of the cancer
• What factors influence cancer treatment options?

  Type, location, and grade of the cancer
• What are the main treatment options for cancer?

  • Surgery
  • Radiotherapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Symptom control and palliative care
• What is the goal of surgery in cancer treatment?

  To entirely remove non-haematological cancers
• What is radiotherapy used for?

  To limit the growth of cancerous cells using ionising radiation