In simple terms, cancer is a disease where abnormal cells grow and divide uncontrollably, invading and damaging surrounding tissues. Normally, cells in the body grow, divide, and die in a controlled way. But in cancer, this process goes awry due to genetic mutations or other factors, causing cells to proliferate excessively and form tumors. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumors can spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, a process called metastasis, which makes cancer dangerous and difficult to treat if not detected early.
What is the main difference between a normal cell and a cancerous cell?
The main differences between a normal cell and a cancerous cell include:
- Growth Regulation:
- Normal Cell: Grows, divides, and dies in a controlled manner.
- Cancerous Cell: Grows and divides uncontrollably, and does not die when it should.
- Cell Cycle Control:
- Normal Cell: Has regulated checkpoints during the cell cycle to ensure proper division and function.
- Cancerous Cell: Bypasses these checkpoints, leading to unregulated growth and division.
- Function:
- Normal Cell: Performs specific functions based on its type (e.g., muscle cell, nerve cell).
- Cancerous Cell: Loses its specialized function and focuses on continuous growth and division.
- Communication:
- Normal Cell: Responds to signals from other cells and the body, which control its growth and behavior.
- Cancerous Cell: Ignores these signals, allowing it to grow even when the body doesn’t need more cells.
- Apoptosis (Programmed Cell Death):
- Normal Cell: Undergoes apoptosis when damaged or no longer needed.
- Cancerous Cell: Avoids apoptosis, allowing it to survive and proliferate despite being abnormal.
- Genetic Stability:
- Normal Cell: Maintains genetic stability, with low mutation rates.
- Cancerous Cell: Often has high genetic instability, with numerous mutations and chromosomal abnormalities.
These differences are what enable cancerous cells to grow uncontrollably and spread, making them harmful to the body.
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