Monday 6 March 2023

What are Cancer Cells?

 Cancer cells are abnormal cells that divide and grow uncontrollably, leading to the formation of a tumor. These cells have undergone genetic mutations that allow them to evade the body's natural mechanisms for controlling cell growth and death.

Unlike normal cells, cancer cells don't respond to signals from neighboring cells that tell them when to stop dividing. They also have the ability to create their own blood vessels, a process called angiogenesis, which allows them to grow and spread beyond their original location in the body.

Cancer cells can be classified into different types based on their origin and characteristics. Carcinomas, for example, arise from cells that make up the skin or lining of organs, while sarcomas arise from cells that make up connective tissue such as bones and muscles.

One of the most dangerous properties of cancer cells is their ability to metastasize, or spread to other parts of the body. Cancer cells can detach from the original tumor and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to distant organs and tissues, where they can form new tumors.

Cancer cells also have the ability to evade the immune system, which normally recognizes and destroys abnormal cells. They can do this by producing proteins that inhibit the immune response, or by hiding from immune cells in the body's own tissues.

Treatment for cancer typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. These treatments aim to kill or remove cancer cells from the body, but they can also damage healthy cells in the process. Advances in cancer research have led to the development of new and more targeted therapies that are tailored to specific types of cancer cells.

In summary, cancer cells are abnormal cells that grow uncontrollably, evade the immune system, and have the ability to spread to other parts of the body. They are responsible for the development of cancer and can be classified into different types based on their origin and characteristics. Treatment for cancer involves a combination of different therapies, and advances in cancer research continue to improve our understanding of these cells and how to combat them

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