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Cancer Cells

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9 views5 pages

Cancer Cells

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shristi
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Cancer Cells: Definition, Morphology, Types, Development

Cancer cells are cells that undergo uncontrolled growth and division, resulting in the development
of an abnormal tissue mass referred to as a tumor.

Unlike normal cells, which follow a regulated life cycle involving growth, division, and programmed
cell death, cancer cells evade these processes.

Cancer Cells

Additionally, cancer cells can invade surrounding tissues and, in some cases, spread to other parts of
the body. Understanding the characteristics and behavior of cancer cells is crucial for developing
effective strategies for cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Morphology of Cancer Cells

 Nuclear morphology: Cancerous cells have unique features, including a large nucleus with an
irregular shape and prominent nucleoli. Changes in chromatin, including heterochromatin
reduction and increased nuclear membrane pores are observed along with other
ultrastructural changes such as nucleus segmentation, invaginations, and formation of
inclusions.
Morphology of Cancer Cells

 Mitotic characteristics: Cancer cells have an increased number of mitoses with


atypical mitosis forms, such as defects in the mitotic spindle and dissymmetrical structures.

 Cytoplasmic changes: The cytoplasm of cancer cells is scarce and undergoes notable changes
including the appearance of new structures. It is basophilic due to the accumulation of
ribosomal and messenger RNA.

 Organelle changes: In cancer cells, the Golgi apparatus is poorly developed, and there is a
reduction in the volume of mitochondria as the tumor develops. Cancer cells show a
simplified granular endoplasmic reticulum structure with frequent fragmentation and
degranulation. Changes in the amount and structure of both granular and agranular
endoplasmic reticulum are observed in cancer cells.

 Cytoskeletal changes: Cytoskeletal components such as microfilaments, intermediate


filaments, and microtubules appear in different proportions in tumor cells. The composition
and arrangement of these cytoskeletal elements can affect the ability of tumor cells to move
and invade surrounding tissues.

 Cell membrane changes: Changes in the cell


membrane affect tumor evolution and host responses. These
changes include modified surface receptors, new molecules,
and abnormal antigens that trigger immune responses. The
cell surface shows atypical structures with highly active
enzymes, contributing to malignant cell characteristics.
 Metabolic changes: Cancer cells have abnormal energy
metabolism processes. These cells show poor use of oxygen
and massive use of glucose, behaving like metabolic
parasites. Abnormal glycolysis processes in mitochondrial
membranes, known as the “Warburg phenomenon” are
present.
Development of Cancer Cells

 The development of cancer cells involves a series of genetic and cellular changes including
genetic mutations and disruptions in normal cell growth regulation.

 Cancer cells form due to genetic mutations that may be inherited or caused by external
factors such as exposure to carcinogens like smoking, radiation, viruses, and certain
chemicals.

 Normal cell growth is regulated, with precise mechanisms controlling growth, division, and
death. However, mutations can disrupt the normal regulation of cell growth and division
leading to the formation of tumors.

Stage of Apoptosis in Cancer Cells

 Cancerous tumors can evade the normal programmed cell death mechanism called apoptosis
and continue to divide further. It can also escape immune detection and destruction.

 Cancerous cells can also stimulate angiogenesis, forming new blood vessels to supply
nutrients and eventually these malignant cells can invade and spread to other parts of the
body.
Types of Cancer Cells

Cancer cells come in various types, each originating from different parts of the body. Some common
types of cancer cells, based on the cells of origin are:

1. Carcinoma originates in the epithelial cells covering external surfaces and internal organs. It
can occur in various organs like the skin, lungs, breast, prostate, and colon.

Types of carcinomas include:

 Adenocarcinoma develops in epithelial cells producing fluids or mucus, commonly found in


glandular tissues like the breast, colon, and prostate.

 Basal cell carcinoma occurs in the lower or basal layer of the skin’s epidermis.
 Squamous cell carcinoma affects the squamous epithelial cells beneath the skin and lining
various organs.

Examples include:

 Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer.

 Leiomyosarcoma is a tumor that occurs in smooth muscle tissue.

 Kaposi Sarcoma occurs in the skin, lymph nodes, and internal organs.

3. Leukemia originates in the blood-forming cells. While most cases involve cancerous
transformations of white blood cells, some leukemias may originate from other types of
blood cells. They can be classified primarily as acute or chronic leukemia affecting either
myeloid or lymphoid blood cells.

4. Lymphoma is a blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system. It affects the lymph glands or
other organs connected to the lymphatic system. Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin
lymphoma (NHL) are the main types of lymphoma.

5. Multiple myeloma, also called plasma cell myeloma, affects plasma cells, which are immune
cells producing antibodies. It occurs in the bone marrow and forms tumors in bones. It is also
known as Kahler disease.

Tumor Types

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