Cancer Biology: Characteristics of Malignant Cells

An abnormal mass of proliferating cells that have a degree of independence from normal regulatory mechanisms.

The lack of differentiation in neoplastic cells, often characterized by a mass of primitive and irregular cells.

An increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ, often in response to a specific stimulus. It can be a normal part of growth or a sign of pathology.

The transformation of one mature differentiated cell type into another mature differentiated cell type.

Abnormal development of cells, characterized by a change in size, shape, and organization of adult cells.

A collection of different diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and the potential to invade surrounding tissues and spread to distant sites (metastasis).

Moles that are larger than ordinary moles and have irregular shapes, uneven colors, and may extend above the skin's surface. They have increased risk of becoming melanoma.

The ability of cancer cells to break away from the original tumor and spread to other parts of the body.

A type of mutation that occurs in non-reproductive cells and is not passed down to offspring. It can lead to cancer but does not affect the genetic makeup of the next generation.

Factors like viruses, chemicals, and radiation that can increase the risk of somatic mutations and cancer.

A tumor suppressor gene that plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the genome by controlling cell cycle progression and apoptosis.

Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2, two tumor suppressor genes, increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

A chromosomal translocation involving the ABL and BCR genes, creating a fusion gene that contributes to the development of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

A tumor suppressor gene that regulates cell cycle progression and is often mutated in retinoblastoma, a type of eye cancer.

Viruses that can integrate their genetic material into the host cell's genome, potentially leading to cancer development.

A common sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer.

A type of lymphoma associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection.

A DNA repair mechanism that removes damaged nucleotides from DNA, particularly those caused by UV radiation.

An autosomal recessive genetic disorder that causes defects in DNA repair, leading to increased susceptibility to skin cancer.

A condition that increases the risk of cancer, particularly in those who are overweight or underweight.

A multi-step process of cancer development, involving various stages of cell growth, proliferation, and metastasis.

A model used to study the multi-step progression of cancer, focusing on the example of colorectal cancer.

The study of the causes of cancer, including genetic mutations, environmental factors, and lifestyle factors.

An increase in the size of cells in a tissue or organ. The number of cells remains unchanged.

A decrease in the size and number of cells in a tissue or organ.

Cells lose control of their growth and division, becoming insensitive to signals that normally stop their growth. This can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation.

Cancer cells don't undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis) like normal cells do, allowing them to survive and multiply.

Cancer cells can divide indefinitely, unlike normal cells which have a limited lifespan. This is due to the activation of telomerase, an enzyme that prevents the shortening of telomeres (protective caps at the ends of chromosomes) during cell division.

Cancer cells stimulate the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) to provide oxygen and nutrients for their growth.

Cancer cells break away from the original tumor and invade neighboring tissues. They can also travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to spread to distant sites (metastasis).

Cancer cells can survive and grow without being attached to a surface, a property that helps them spread through the body.

Cancer cells can continue to divide even when they're crowded by other cells, unlike normal cells that stop dividing when they come into contact with each other.

Changes in genes that control cell growth and division. These changes can be inherited from parents or acquired during a person's lifetime due to environmental factors.

Mutations that occur in the germ cells (eggs or sperm) and are passed down from parent to offspring.

Shortening of telomeres in normal cells with each cell division. This eventually limits the number of times a normal cell can divide.

Telomerase activation in cancer cells, allowing them to maintain the length of telomeres and divide indefinitely.

A tumor classified based on the type of cell or tissue it originates from. It helps determine the tumor's behavior and treatment.

A type of tumor that originates from epithelial tissue, which lines organs and cavities.

A type of tumor that arises from connective tissue, such as muscle, bone, and cartilage.

A general effect of tumors that involves experiencing nausea and vomiting. It can be caused by pressure on the digestive system.

A general effect of tumors that involves a significant loss of body mass, often accompanied by muscle wasting and weakness. It is a severe complication associated with advanced cancer.

Local effect of tumors that involves the tumor pressing on surrounding tissues or organs, potentially causing obstruction or compression.

Local effect of tumors that involves the tumor blocking a passageway, such as a blood vessel or a duct.

Local effect of tumors that involves the tumor damaging the lining of an organ, often resulting in inflammation and pain.

A symptom of cancer that is not directly caused by the tumor but rather by the body's response to the presence of the tumor.

A common paraneoplastic syndrome that results in elevated calcium levels in the blood, often affecting bone health.

A type of paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by excessive production of cortisol, leading to various symptoms like weight gain and fatigue.

A clinical examination technique to assess the spread of cancer to nearby tissues or lymph nodes. The tumor size (T), lymph node involvement (N), and presence of distant metastases (M) are evaluated.

A system used to categorize cancer based on its severity and extent of spread. It may involve stages I to IV, where stage I represents localized cancer and stage IV indicates widespread metastasis.

A method of classifying cancer based on the microscopic appearance of the cancerous cells. The grade reflects how much the cells resemble normal cells.

A substance found in the blood, urine, or tissues that can be used as a marker for a specific type of cancer. These markers help in diagnosis, monitoring treatment, and detecting recurrence.

A critical step in metastasis where cancer cells break away from the original tumor and invade surrounding tissues.

Ability of cancer cells to grow and proliferate in a semi-solid medium, independent of attachment to a solid surface.

The process where cancer cells break down cell-to-cell junctions, penetrate the basement membrane, and enter the bloodstream.

The process by which cancer cells travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to reach distant sites in the body.

The formation of new tumors at distant locations in the body, derived from the original primary tumor.

A type of radiation treatment for cancer that uses protons instead of x-rays.

A test for HER2, a marker for breast cancer, that is used in pathological labs. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and In Situ Hybridization (ISH) are some methods used for this test.

A technique used to diagnose cancer by examining circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the blood.

A cancer treatment approach targeting specific molecules involved in tumor growth and progression, aiming to interfere with their growth and spread.

A type of chemotherapy drug derived from Pacific Yew, that inhibits cell division by interfering with microtubule assembly, and is used to treat various cancers.

A measure used to assess how aggressive a tumor is, its likelihood of spreading, and the potential mortality or morbidity associated with treatment.

Uncontrolled growth of cells that lack normal regulation, often characterized by abnormal cell differentiation and the ability to invade surrounding tissues.

A type of cell growth that is often a normal response to specific stimuli, but can also be a sign of pathology.

A change in the mature cell type of a tissue, often as a response to chronic irritation or injury.

Abnormal development of cells that can be a precursor to cancer, often characterized by changes in cell size, shape, and organization.

A type of cell death programmed by the cell itself, often triggered by cellular stress or damage.

The ability of cancer cells to break away from the original tumor and spread to other parts of the body.

The process of forming new blood vessels, often stimulated by factors released from tumors.

A type of cellular signal that acts on the same cell that produced it, often involved in regulating cell growth and development.

Protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division. Stem cells and germ cells can maintain telomere length.

A type of growth factor that stimulates the growth of blood vessels, often released by tumors.