The Cancer Cell and the Tumor Stroma: Pathological and Biological Foundations (copy) (copy)

Definition of Cancer

Cancer is defined as a malignant tumor or cancer disease, primarily characterized as a disease of the cell caused by deregulation of cellular genetic programs.

Consequences of Genetic Deregulation

Uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells, local and/or distant invasion (metastasis), and potential for recurrence after treatment.

Cancer Tissue Composition

Cancer tissue is composed of two distinct components: the cancer cell and the stroma (tumor stroma).

Core Transformation in Cancer Cells

A cancer cell loses specific normal characteristics and acquires abnormal morphological and/or functional features.

Key Results of Transformation

Autonomy, uncontrolled growth, disorganized proliferation, and metastatic potential.

Morphological Changes in Cancer Cells

Major criteria for cancer diagnosis that includes nuclear abnormalities such as anisocytosis, anisocaryosis, hyperchromasia, and increased mitotic index.

Limitations of Morphological Diagnosis

Non-cancerous cells may show similar changes, and a cancer cell may appear normal morphologically but behave aggressively.

Cell Membrane Alterations in Cancer Cells

Changes include loss of normal membrane antigens, recognition issues, loss of intercellular adhesion, and abnormal signaling.

Behavioral Changes in Cancer Cells (In Vivo)

Characteristics include autonomy, immortality, disorganized proliferation, and metastatic potential.

Functional Properties of Cancer Cells

Can involve preservation of normal functions, loss of normal functions, or acquisition of new functions.

Genetic Abnormalities in Cancer Cells

Includes qualitative changes such as deletion and translocation, and quantitative changes like aneuploidy and polyploidy.

Tumor Stroma Definition

The tumor stroma is the supportive connective-vascular component present in cancer that surrounds tumor cells.

Stroma Formation Processes

Involves neoangiogenesis (the proliferation of new blood vessels) and inflammatory reaction with fibroblastic proliferation.

Types of Stroma by Abundance

Abundant stromal reaction is often associated with better prognosis; sparse stromal reaction usually indicates poor prognosis.

Inflammatory Stroma Types

Different types include lymphocytic, plasmacytic, neutrophilic/eosinophilic, and epithelioid or giant cell granulomatous, which can have varying prognostic values.

Key Messages about Cancer

Cancer tissue consists of the cancer cell and the stroma; histological diagnosis requires a combination of features, and the tumor stroma is crucial for tumor development.