Every organic life form starts from a single cell. Cells form a tissue, tissues form an organ and organs form a human being. These cell divisions by which a single cell divides into hundred trillion times is a process called growth. It is a unique intricate process that happens in the body. A normal cell follows a uniform life cycle and reproduction. The question now is why is there abnormal cell growths?
Abnormal or mutant cells are cancer cells. This happens when a certain cell DNA gets a different signal that causes mutation. Normally, when a cell senses a mistake, it self-destructs or the system eliminates it from the body. But, there are some instances that cell mutation are left undetected, and these cells reproduce and grow erratically, hence the growth of cancers cells.
Cancer cells vary from normal cells. Both have different characteristics that allowed researchers to understand cell mutation extensively. From these, development of therapies and treatments are designed to try to eliminate cancer cells without destructing normal cells.
Normal Cells
Normal cells carry characteristics that are essential for normal body functions. These cells have different in shapes and sizes but are uniform depending on what type they are. Human cells are Eukaryotic because they contain true nucleus that contains genetic information – DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid). These genes are responsible for all cellular activities and functioning. Healthy cells divide in an orderly manner to produce more cells only when the body needs them. They follow a life cycle which includes mitosis and meiosis, and cell death – apoptosis.
Cancer Cells
There are 2 distinct features that cancer cells have: cell growth not regulated by external signals and the capacity to invade tissue and colonize distant sites. The uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells is a property of all neoplasms. Neoplasms can either be benign or malignant.
What’s the Difference between Benign and Malignant Neoplasm?
Benign Neoplasm
Benign neoplasm is abnormal cell growths that are non-cancerous. They do not invade or other parts of the body. This can be removed surgically and it is not life threatening.
Malignant Neoplasm
These cell growths are cancerous that invades and destruct other tissue and organs. They can travel through the blood stream and the lymphatic system to form new tumors in other part of the body. A process is known as metastasis.
