Skip to main content
Back

Overview of Cancer definitions

Control buttons has been changed to "navigation" mode.
1/18
  • Tumor
    A mass of cells formed from excessive and uncontrolled cell division, often resulting in abnormal tissue growth.
  • Benign
    A localized abnormal cell mass that does not invade nearby tissues or spread to distant sites.
  • Malignant
    A type of abnormal cell mass that invades surrounding tissues and can spread to distant organs.
  • Metastasis
    The process by which abnormal cells spread from their original site to distant organs or tissues.
  • Carcinoma
    A cancer originating from epithelial cells, representing the majority of human cancers.
  • Leukemia
    A cancer arising from blood-forming tissues, leading to abnormal proliferation of blood cells.
  • Lymphoma
    A cancer derived from immune system cells, particularly lymphocytes, affecting lymphatic tissues.
  • Sarcoma
    A rare cancer type originating from connective tissues such as bone, muscle, or fat.
  • Carcinogen
    A substance or agent, like tobacco, known to induce genetic changes leading to abnormal cell growth.
  • Epidemiology
    A scientific field focused on studying disease patterns and causes within human populations.
  • Mutation
    A permanent alteration in DNA sequence that can disrupt normal cell regulation and contribute to disease.
  • Oncogene
    A mutated gene variant that actively promotes uncontrolled cell proliferation and tumor development.
  • Proto-oncogene
    A normal gene that, when altered, has the potential to become a driver of abnormal cell growth.
  • Tumor suppressor gene
    A gene responsible for restraining cell division, whose loss of function can lead to unchecked growth.
  • Angiogenesis
    The formation of new blood vessels within abnormal tissue masses to supply nutrients and oxygen.
  • Apoptosis
    A regulated process of programmed cell death, often defective in abnormal cell masses.
  • Contact inhibition
    A cellular property where division stops upon contact with neighboring cells, lost in abnormal growths.
  • Genetic instability
    A state where cells rapidly accumulate DNA changes, increasing the likelihood of abnormal growth.