Introduction to Cancer Biology

The term 'cancer' is credited to the Roman physician Celsus, and it refers to tumors that resemble the shape of a crab.

Normally, human cells grow and divide to replace old or damaged cells as needed, maintaining a balance in cell growth.

When the process breaks down, abnormal or damaged cells can grow and multiply uncontrollably, potentially forming tumors.

<p>Hippocrates used the term 'carcinos' to describe non-ulcer forming tumors, which means crab in Greek.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cancer is a disease caused by the uncontrolled division of cells that spread into surrounding tissues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cancer cells grow in the absence of signals telling them to grow, while normal cells only grow when they receive such signals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cancer cells ignore signals that normally tell cells to stop dividing or to die, a process known as programmed cell death or apoptosis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cancer cells tell blood vessels to grow toward tumors, supplying them with oxygen and nutrients.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cancer cells invade nearby areas and can spread to other parts of the body.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Normal cells stop growing when they encounter other cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cancer cells can hide from the immune system, which normally eliminates damaged or abnormal cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Benign tumors do not invade nearby tissues and, when removed, usually do not grow back.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Apoptosis helps to eliminate damaged or abnormal cells, maintaining healthy tissue function.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Proto-oncogenes are normal genes involved in cell growth and division, but when altered or overactive, they can become oncogenes that promote uncontrolled growth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Tumor suppressor genes prevent excessive cell growth and division, but when they are inactivated, it can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>DNA repair genes help fix mutations in the DNA; when they mutate, it can lead to further mutations and chromosomal changes, increasing cancer risk.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cancer cells often rely on different kinds of nutrients and may generate energy through alternative pathways, allowing for faster growth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Hyperplasia is the excessive multiplication of cells in a tissue, which can lead to an increased risk of developing cancer if it becomes uncontrolled.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Cancer treatments may focus on specific mutations or the abnormal behaviors of cancer cells, such as preventing blood vessel growth to starve tumors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Chromosomal changes, such as duplications and deletions, occur in cancer cells and contribute to the development of mutations that promote tumor growth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The significance lies in the ability to treat various cancers based on their genetic mutations, rather than the location of the cancer, enhancing personalized medicine.</p> Signup and view all the answers