Discuss the beginning, growth, and spreading of cancer, with particular emphasis on carcinoma in situ, angiogenesis, and metastasis


Cancer starts with the abnormal growth of one cell, which can then multiply into billions of cancerous cells. A critical turning point in the development of cancer is when a tumor reaches about a million cells. At this stage, it is referred to as carcinoma in situ. The undetected tumor may go for months or years without significant growth. While it remains encapsulated, it does not pose a serious threat to human health.
In time, a few of the cancer cells start producing chemicals that signal the body to start angiogenesis, or the growth of a new network of capillaries (blood vessels) that penetrate the tumor and help it grow by delivering oxygen and nutrients and carrying away waste products. During normal healthy processes, angiogenesis is limited to a few infrequent functions such as healing wounds or development during pregnancy.

During cancer, angiogenesis is the precursor of metastasis. Through the new blood vessels formed by angiogenesis, cancerous cells now can break away from a malignant tumor and migrate to other parts of the body, where they can cause new cancer.

?

Health & Biomechanics

You might also like to view...

Ch of the following is classified as a pro-drug? (Select all that apply.)

a. azathioprine b. cyclophosphamide c. cyclosporin d. prednisone e. rapamycin f. mycophenolate mofetil.

Health & Biomechanics

The yellowish substance secreted by the glands in the external canal is:

A) endolymph. B) cerumen. C) perilymph. D) otopyorrhea.

Health & Biomechanics

What is the mechanism by which urine is moved downwards toward the urinary bladder?

A. External muscles squeezing the ureters B. Muscular peristaltic waves C. Valves along the length of the ureter D. Capillary action E. The effects of renin widening the ureter

Health & Biomechanics

Explain why it is important never to tell children that someone who has recently died "has gone to sleep."

What will be an ideal response?

Health & Biomechanics