Paula's grandfather has been diagnosed with lung cancer. His physician orders biopsies of several lymph nodes from neighboring regions of the lungs. Paula wonders why the biopsies are necessary. Explain why.
What will be an ideal response?
A key characteristic of cancer cells is their ability to break free from a tumor and migrate to other tissues of the body, forming new tumors. This process is called metastasis. Lymphomas, which are defined as cancers arising from lymphocytes or lymphoid stem cells, are an important group of lymphatic system cancers. Recall that the primary route for the spread of cancer cells is the lymphoid system, and cancer cells may remain in a lymph node for a period of time before moving on to other tissues. Therefore, examination of regional lymph nodes for the presence of cancer cells can help the physician determine if the cancer was caught in an early stage or whether it has started to spread to other tissues. It can also give the physician an idea of what other tissues may be affected by the cancer, which would help in determining the proper treatment(s).
You might also like to view...
Which of the following conditions might result in the back flow of blood through a weakened mitral valve?
A. High pressure in the left ventricle, low pressure in the left atrium B. High pressure in the left atrium, low pressure in the left ventricle C. High pressure in the right ventricle, low pressure in the right atrium D. High pressure in the right atrium, low pressure in the right ventricle
Respiratory function deteriorates as a result of pneumonia because inflammation
A) causes fluids to leak into the alveoli. B) causes respiratory bronchioles to swell and dilate. C) causes the lungs to leak air into the thorax. D) reduces movement of the epiglottis. E) reduces the size of the pleural cavity.
The term ductus venosus refers to ________
A) damage to the valves in the veins, leading to varicose veins B) a condition of the aged in which the arteries lose elasticity C) a fetal shunt that bypasses the lungs D) a special fetal vessel that allows umbilical blood to bypass the liver
What are the two distinct endocrine cell types that comprise the thyroid gland, and what do they secrete?
What will be an ideal response?