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Cancer Definition and General Characteristics-1

Cancer is a group of diseases marked by uncontrolled cell growth, invasion of surrounding tissues, and the ability to metastasize. Key characteristics include evasion of programmed cell death, genetic instability, and the development of new blood vessels to support tumor growth. Understanding these traits is crucial for improving cancer diagnosis and treatment.

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5 views

Cancer Definition and General Characteristics-1

Cancer is a group of diseases marked by uncontrolled cell growth, invasion of surrounding tissues, and the ability to metastasize. Key characteristics include evasion of programmed cell death, genetic instability, and the development of new blood vessels to support tumor growth. Understanding these traits is crucial for improving cancer diagnosis and treatment.

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202400117
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Cancer: Definition and General Characteristics

Definition of Cancer

Cancer is a broad term used to describe a group of diseases characterized by the


uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells within the body. Unlike normal
cells, which grow, divide, and die in a controlled and predictable manner, cancer
cells continue to grow and divide uncontrollably and may not undergo
programmed cell death (apoptosis). If left untreated, these cells can invade nearby
tissues and spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymphatic
systems—a process known as metastasis.

There are over 100 different types of cancer, often named after the organ or type of
cell where they begin. For example, cancers originating in the breast are referred to
as breast cancer, while those starting in the lungs are called lung cancer. Some
common types of cancer include skin cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer,
and leukemia (a cancer of the blood and bone marrow).

General Characteristics of Cancer

1.Uncontrolled Cell Growth

One of the most fundamental characteristics of cancer is its ability to grow


uncontrollably. In healthy tissues, cell growth and division are tightly
regulated by genes and signals from other cells. However, in cancerous cells,
genetic mutations disrupt these regulatory pathways, allowing the cells to
proliferate without the normal checks and balances. These mutations may be
inherited, caused by environmental factors (such as tobacco smoke or
radiation), or occur spontaneously.

2.Avoidance of Apoptosis

Normal cells are programmed to die when they become damaged or are no
longer needed—a process called apoptosis. Cancer cells, however, often
develop mechanisms to evade apoptosis. This resistance to cell death
enables them to survive longer than they should, accumulate additional
mutations, and become more aggressive over time.
3.Ability to Invade Surrounding Tissues

Unlike benign tumors, which remain localized and typically do not invade
nearby tissues, malignant tumors can infiltrate and destroy adjacent
structures. This invasive ability is one of the key features that make cancer
so dangerous. Cancer cells secrete enzymes that degrade the surrounding
extracellular matrix, enabling them to penetrate other tissues and organs.

4.Metastasis

A hallmark of cancer is its ability to metastasize, or spread to distant parts of


the body. This typically occurs when cancer cells enter the bloodstream or
lymphatic system, travel to other organs, and begin to grow in the new
location. Metastatic cancer is often more difficult to treat and is a major
cause of cancer-related death.

5.Angiogenesis

In order to grow beyond a small size, tumors must develop their own blood
supply to receive oxygen and nutrients. Cancer cells stimulate the formation
of new blood vessels in a process known as angiogenesis. This not only
supports tumor growth but also provides a route for cancer cells to enter the
circulation and spread to other parts of the body.

6.Genetic Instability and Mutation

Cancer cells often exhibit a high degree of genetic instability, meaning their
DNA is more prone to mutations. This instability allows them to adapt
quickly to their environment, resist treatments, and evolve into more
aggressive forms. Many cancers have abnormalities in genes that control
DNA repair, contributing to this instability.

7.Loss of Differentiation (Anaplasia)

Normal cells are specialized to perform specific functions based on their


tissue type. Cancer cells often lose this specialization, becoming less
differentiated. This lack of differentiation is known as anaplasia. Poorly
differentiated or undifferentiated tumors tend to be more aggressive and
have a worse prognosis than well-differentiated ones.
8.Immune System Evasion

The body’s immune system is capable of recognizing and destroying


abnormal cells, including early-stage cancer cells. However, many cancers
develop mechanisms to hide from or suppress the immune system. For
example, they may express proteins that prevent immune cells from
attacking them or create a local environment that weakens the immune
response.

Conclusion

Cancer is a complex and multifaceted disease with numerous causes and


characteristics. Its defining traits—uncontrolled cell division, the ability to invade
and spread, resistance to death signals, and genetic instability—make it a
formidable challenge to diagnose, treat, and cure. Continued research into the
molecular and cellular biology of cancer is essential for developing more effective
therapies and improving outcomes for patients around the world.

References:

1. World Health Organization (WHO)

Cancer - Key facts

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer

2. National Cancer Institute (NCI)

What Is Cancer?

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer

3. American Cancer Society

Cancer Basics

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-basics/what-is-cancer.html

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