Properties and Spread of Cancer Cells

Properties of Cancer Cells

• Cancer cells are diverse in size and shape (polymorphism), unlike the uniform normal cells.
• Cancer cell nuclei are darker and denser (hyperchromatic) due to increased DNA from rapid replication.
• Cancer cells divide quickly and lack the organized structure of normal tissues.
• Cancer cells grow uncontrollably, unlike normal cells with regulated growth.
• Cancer cells lose adhesive properties, allowing them to spread.
• Cancer cells often fail to specialize, exhibiting immaturity.
• Cancer cells can evade programmed cell death (apoptosis), becoming effectively immortal.

Spread of Cancer (Metastasis)

• Cancer spreads through direct invasion into neighboring tissues (local spread).
• Cancer cells travel through lymphatic vessels, often via lymph nodes (lymphatic spread).
• Cancer cells enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body (hematogenous spread).
• Cancer cells spread across body cavities (transcoelomic spread).

Factors Contributing to Spread

• Loss of cell adhesion allows cancer cells to detach and invade other areas.
• Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, provides a route for cancer cells into the circulatory system.

Metastatic Sites

• Certain cancers have predilections for specific organs to metastasize to (e.g., colorectal cancer to the liver due to blood flow).
• Common metastatic sites include lungs, brain, bones, and adrenal glands.

This quiz explores the fundamental characteristics of cancer cells, including their unique properties and mechanisms of metastasis. Delve into the differences between cancerous and normal cells, as well as how cancer spreads within the body. Test your understanding of these crucial concepts in cancer biology.