How are cancer cells abnormal?

Cancer cells display several abnormalities that differentiate them from normal cells:

1. Uncontrolled Cell Growth: Cancer cells have lost the ability to control their cell division, leading to rapid and uncontrolled growth. This process is known as neoplastic growth. Unlike normal cells that undergo controlled cell division and senescence, cancer cells divide indefinitely.

2. Invasion and Metastasis: Cancer cells have the ability to invade surrounding tissues, leading to local invasion. Additionally, they can metastasize, which is the process by which cancer cells spread to distant sites in the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

3. Loss of Differentiation: Normal cells in the body have specific functions depending on their tissue or organ. However, cancer cells lose their specialized features and become less differentiated. This loss of differentiation contributes to abnormal cell growth and function.

4. Angiogenesis: Cancer cells stimulate the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) to supply themselves with oxygen and nutrients. This increased blood supply supports the rapid growth and survival of the tumor.

5. Evasion of Apoptosis: Apoptosis is a programmed cell death process that eliminates damaged or unnecessary cells. Cancer cells often evade apoptosis, allowing them to survive and accumulate in the body.

6. Genomic Instability: Cancer cells exhibit genomic instability, characterized by changes in their genetic material, including mutations, chromosomal aberrations, and gene amplifications. These genetic alterations drive the abnormal growth and behavior of cancer cells.

7. Replicative Immortality: Normal cells have a limited lifespan, undergoing a finite number of cell divisions before senescence. Cancer cells, on the other hand, have the ability to replicate indefinitely, bypassing the normal cell cycle checkpoints.

8. Altered Metabolism: Cancer cells exhibit metabolic changes to support their rapid growth and proliferation. They often shift towards aerobic glycolysis, a process known as the Warburg effect, even in the presence of sufficient oxygen.

9. Immune System Evasion: Cancer cells can develop mechanisms to evade detection and destruction by the immune system. They may produce molecules that suppress immune responses or express abnormal proteins that make them less recognizable to immune cells.

These abnormalities collectively contribute to the development and progression of cancer, allowing cancer cells to survive and proliferate in an uncontrolled manner within the body. Understanding these abnormalities is crucial for the development of targeted cancer treatments and strategies for early detection and prevention.