Define neoplasia
Searched over 200M research papers for "define neoplasia"
Summary
10 papers analyzed
These studies suggest neoplasia is a disease characterized by abnormal cell differentiation and growth, influenced by genetic changes and environmental factors, and detectable through molecular pathology and cytogenetics.
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Understanding Neoplasia: Definition and Key Concepts
Definition of Neoplasia
Neoplasia refers to the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells or tissues in the body, which can form a mass known as a neoplasm or tumor. This growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with that of the normal surrounding tissues. Neoplastic cells have the unique ability to replicate without the need for external growth signals, which is a hallmark of their abnormal behavior.
Cellular and Genetic Basis of Neoplasia
Clonal Origin and Genetic Instability
Neoplasia typically originates from a single transformed cell, which undergoes genetic changes that are passed on to its progeny. These changes often include DNA damage that can be inherited or acquired, leading to genetic instability and the accumulation of further mutations. This genetic instability is a critical factor in the progression and evolution of neoplastic cells, allowing them to proliferate uncontrollably .
Chromosomal Abnormalities
At the cellular level, neoplasia is fundamentally a genetic disease characterized by chromosomal abnormalities. These abnormalities can be primary, essential for tumor initiation, or secondary, contributing to tumor progression. Additionally, there is often a background level of non-consequential chromosomal changes known as cytogenetic noise. The identification of specific chromosomal changes has been crucial in understanding the pathogenesis of various neoplastic diseases.
DNA Methylation
Alterations in DNA methylation are also a fundamental aspect of neoplasia. Neoplastic cells often exhibit both widespread genomic hypomethylation and regional hypermethylation. These changes can lead to the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes and contribute to tumor progression. The imbalance in DNA methylation is a key feature of the neoplastic transformation process.
Environmental and Genetic Factors
While genetic changes are central to neoplasia, environmental factors play a significant role in its development. Epidemiological evidence suggests that 75-90% of human neoplasia is due to environmental influences, particularly in tissues directly exposed to environmental factors such as the skin, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract. These environmental factors can induce somatic mutations in cellular DNA, leading to neoplastic transformation.
Neoplasia and Cell Differentiation
Neoplasia is closely linked to the processes of cell differentiation and embryonic development. The disease represents a pathological manifestation of these normal biological processes, although identifying the precise defective process can be challenging. Neoplastic cells often exhibit characteristics of both stem cells and transitional cells, with the former playing a crucial role in directing the abnormal growth.
Conclusion
Neoplasia is a complex disease characterized by abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth. It originates from genetic changes in a single cell, leading to clonal proliferation and genetic instability. Chromosomal abnormalities and alterations in DNA methylation are key features of neoplastic cells. While genetic factors are central to the disease, environmental influences significantly contribute to its development. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neoplasia is essential for developing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
1
Neoplasia: a disease of cell differentiation.
1
258 Citations
1968
6
Role of genetic change in neoplasia.
6
1 Citations
1962