Abnormal Cell Growth and Division (19)

Tumor

is a growth of abnormal tissue that forms when cells divide uncontrollably, and it can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Malignant tumor

is a cancerous growth of cells that can invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

Invasion

refers to the process by which cancer cells spread from their original (primary) site to surrounding tissues, often leading to the destruction of healthy tissue. In the context of cancer, it typically involves the cancer cells breaking through the boundaries of normal tissue and infiltrating nearby areas.

Cancer

is a disease where cells grow uncontrollably and can spread to other parts of the body, forming tumors and damaging healthy tissues.

Oncogenes

are genes that, when mutated or overactive, can cause normal cells to become cancerous by promoting uncontrolled cell growth and division.

Mutagens

are substances or environmental factors that cause changes (mutations) in the DNA of cells, which can lead to cancer or other genetic disorders.

Carcinogens

are substances or agents that can cause cancer by promoting changes (mutations) in the DNA, leading to the uncontrolled growth of cells.

Metastasis

is the process by which cancer cells spread from the original (primary) tumor to other parts of the body, forming new (secondary) tumors in different organs or tissues.

Cellular differentiation

is the process by which a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell with a specific function, such as muscle, nerve, or skin cells.