Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by?

Answer 1

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. The key characteristics of cancer include:

Uncontrolled Cell Growth:

Cancer is marked by the uncontrolled division and growth of cells. Normal cells have regulatory mechanisms that control their growth, division, and death. In cancer, these mechanisms malfunction, leading to unregulated cell proliferation.

Formation of Tumors:

Cancer cells often form masses or lumps of tissue called tumors. Tumors can be classified as either benign or malignant:

Benign Tumors: Non-cancerous, do not invade nearby tissues, and generally have a well-defined boundary.

Malignant Tumors: Cancerous, invade surrounding tissues, and can metastasize to other parts of the body.

Invasion and Metastasis:

Malignant cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and structures, breaking through normal barriers. Additionally, cancer cells may enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system, allowing them to spread to distant organs and form secondary tumors, a process known as metastasis.

Angiogenesis:

Tumors stimulate the growth of new blood vessels in a process called angiogenesis. This ensures a blood supply to the tumor, providing oxygen and nutrients that support its growth.

Genetic Mutations:

Cancer is associated with genetic mutations that accumulate in the DNA of cells. These mutations can affect the normal function of genes involved in cell growth, division, and repair.

Loss of Normal Cell Functions:

Cancer cells often lose the specialized functions of normal cells. Instead of contributing to the functioning of a specific tissue or organ, cancer cells prioritize uncontrolled growth.

Resistance to Cell Death:

Normal cells undergo a process called apoptosis (programmed cell death) when they become damaged or obsolete. Cancer cells often acquire the ability to resist apoptosis, allowing them to survive and accumulate.

Heterogeneity:

Cancer cells within a tumor can exhibit genetic and molecular heterogeneity. This diversity contributes to challenges in treatment, as different cells within the same tumor may respond differently to therapies.

Cancer can affect virtually any tissue or organ in the body, and there are numerous types of cancer, each with unique characteristics and behaviors. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of cancer is essential for developing effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.

Answer 2

Cancer is a tumor in which cells begin to dividing at an uncontrolled rate and becomes invasive.