Simple definition of cancer
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Simple Definition of Cancer
Uncontrolled Cell Growth
Cancer is fundamentally a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells within the body. These cells proliferate without the normal regulatory mechanisms that keep cell division in check, leading to the formation of malignant tumors and the disruption of normal tissue function .
Transformation and Evolution
A key aspect of cancer is that the cells involved are transformed, meaning they have undergone genetic and epigenetic changes that allow them to grow uncontrollably and evade normal cellular processes. These transformed cells are subject to evolution by natural selection, which means they can accumulate further mutations that enhance their survival and proliferation capabilities.
Metastasis and Spread
Cancer cells have the ability to metastasize, which means they can spread from their original location to other parts of the body. This spread can occur through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system, leading to the formation of new tumors in distant organs. This metastatic capability is a hallmark of cancer and contributes significantly to its lethality.
Multistep Genetic Disease
Cancer is not caused by a single mutation but rather by a series of genetic alterations. Typically, three to six mutations are required for a normal cell to transform into a cancerous one. Each mutation contributes to the cell's ability to multiply uncontrollably, leading to gradual increases in tumor size and malignancy.
Conclusion
In summary, cancer is a complex disease of uncontrolled cell proliferation driven by genetic mutations and characterized by the ability of transformed cells to evolve and spread throughout the body. This multifaceted nature makes it a challenging disease to treat and understand fully.
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