This 67-year-old male complained of bright red blood in the stool, colicky abdominal pain and change in bowel habit. He had an unintentional 10-pound weight loss.
| Investigations | Results |
| White blood cell count | Normal |
| ESR | Elevated |
| Hemoglobin and Hematocrit | Low |
| Red blood cell | Hypochromic,microcytic. |
| Serum CEA | Markedly elevated |
| Colonoscopy | Mass in the left colon. |
| Biopsy of mass | Malignant tumor of glandular epithelium. |
The patient was taken to surgery and a left hemicolectomy was performed. A large fungating mass was present in the left colon along with several smaller polypoid lesions. The polypoid lesions were diagnosed as dysplastic polyps. On further exploration a solitary metastatic nodule was found in the liver.
What is neoplasia? What is dysplasia?
What factors distinguish a malignant from a benign tumor?
What is a tumor marker? How is it used in the clinical setting?
What is grading and staging of cancer? What would be the correct stage in the case described above?
A 52-year-old female presented with increased vaginal bleeding, urinary frequency, a sensation of pelvic discomfort, and dyspareunia. Following examination of a negative uterine curettage specimen, she underwent abdominal hysterectomy.
Discuss the nomenclature of benign tumors.
Compare the properties of benign and malignant tumors.
This 65-year-old male had been a heavy smoker all of his life. He developed chronic bronchitis with productive cough more than 20 years ago. He came to his doctor this time because of worsened cough and increased purulent sputum sometimes tinged with blood. He had lost weight (15 lbs) and was experiencing vague, continuous chest pain and dyspnea of recent onset (3 weeks).A mass was detected in the right lung hilar region by X-ray. Atypical cells were identified by cytological examination of the sputum and a bronchial lavage specimen. Bronchoscopy with biopsy showed the mass to be malignant.The patient underwent lobectomy for removal of the malignant epithelial tumor.
What are malignant tumors of epithelial origin called? Discuss the nomenclature of malignant tumors.
What are the 3 main classes of carcinogenic agents? What are the chemical carcinogens that may induce malignant tumors of the lung?
What are paraneoplastic syndromes? Name the ones associated with lung cancer.