Neoplasia and Cancer Biology

What this unit covers

The resources follow cancer from first definitions to spread around the body. Several mind maps set out the basics: Biology of Neoplasia covers definitions, risk factors, growth of tumours and altered differentiation, while Characteristics of major tumour types lists the commonest cancers in males and females. Others deal with benign versus malignant tumours, carcinogens and breast cancer.

Where to start

If neoplasia is new to you, begin with the flashcard decks Neoplasia and Carcinogenesis. They ask what neoplasia means, what the three broad steps of carcinogenesis are and which step produces clones. Then read the Cancer mind map, which sets out initiation, promotion and progression.

1. Read a general map such as Biology of Neoplasia.
2. Work through a deck such as Hallmarks of cancer.
3. Test yourself with the Tumor Suppressors quiz, which asks about the role of the Rb gene and the protein it binds.

Using quizzes and maps together

Take a quiz first and note what you missed. Then open the matching map and read only those branches. The quiz on cancer biology starts with tumour naming, such as why cancers of connective tissue end in -sarcoma and what carcinoma means. Use it before the maps on tumour types. For spread, the mind maps Metastasis, EMT, intravsation and extravasation break the process into steps, and the quiz on how cancer spreads through the body lets you check them.

Where it fits

This unit sits in the General Pathology strand of Internal medicine, pathology and clinical semiology. Most of the material is university level, with a small share at other levels. Teachers can use the decks and quizzes as ready-made starting points for classes.

Choose one quiz, see how you get on, and then make your own maps or flashcards from what you find.