Tumor hypoxia

Tumor Hypoxia

Tumor hypoxia (pronunciation: too-mor hy-pox-ia) is a condition that occurs when there is a lack of sufficient oxygen in a tumor or cancerous growth. This can lead to the tumor becoming more aggressive and resistant to radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Etymology

The term "tumor hypoxia" is derived from two words. "Tumor" is a Latin word meaning "swelling", which in medical terms refers to a neoplasm or new growth. "Hypoxia" is derived from the Greek words "hypo" meaning "under" and "oxia" meaning "oxygen".

Causes

Tumor hypoxia can be caused by several factors including:

• Poor vascularization: Tumors often have a poorly organized and inefficient blood supply, leading to areas of the tumor not receiving enough oxygen.
• High metabolic rate: Tumors often have a high metabolic rate, which can consume oxygen faster than it can be supplied.
• Anemia: A low red blood cell count can reduce the amount of oxygen carried to the tumor.

Effects

Tumor hypoxia can have several effects on the tumor and treatment outcomes. These include:

• Increased aggressiveness: Hypoxic tumors often grow more aggressively and spread more quickly.
• Resistance to treatment: Hypoxic tumors are often more resistant to radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
• Poor prognosis: Patients with hypoxic tumors often have a poorer prognosis.

Related Terms

• Hypoxia
• Tumor
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Vascularization
• Metabolic rate
• Anemia
• Aggressiveness

See Also

• Cancer
• Oncology
• Radiation Oncology
• Medical Oncology

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Tumor hypoxia
• Wikipedia's article - Tumor hypoxia

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