CANCEr : A Comprehensive Overview

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Class -12 BIOLOGY

BY ADARSH TIWARI.
INTRODUCTION
● Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the
potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body.
● The word ‘Cancer’ means Crab!! The detailed study of cancer is called as
‘ONCOLOGY’
● Cancer has been one of the most dreaded diseases of human beings and
the major cause of death all over the globe.
● The mechanisms that undergo the development of cancer or ‘Oncogenic
transformation of cells’, its treatment and control have been some of the
most intense areas of research in biology and medicine.
● CHARACTERISTICS : Uncontrolled cell division, tumor formation, and
potential to spread [ metastasis ]. Metastasis is considered the most feared
property of the malignant tumors. These abnormal and undifferentiated
cells are called cancerous cells.
● Cancerous cells have lost the property of Contact inhibition.
Normal Mechanism of body growth
● Normal cell is under the control of some critical regulatory genes, which regulate cell
proliferation, differentiation and survival.
● Alterations in these genes lead to oncogenic transformation
● These genes can be divided into the following 3 categories :
● 1] Genes that induce cellular proliferation: Genes encoding growth factors. ’Proto-
oncogenes’ furthermore, several genes called cellular oncogenes [c-onc] or proto-
oncogenes have been identified in normal cells which when activated under certain
conditions, could lead to oncogenic transformation of the cells.
● 2] Genes that inhibit cellular proliferation [Tumor suppressor Genes]
● 3] Genes that regulate programmed cell death.[Suicide genes]
● All these genes are involved in normal growth. Cancer is caused by mutant alleles of
these genes
● Normal cells show a property called contact inhibition by
virtue of which contact with other cells inhibits their uncontrolled growth. Cancer cells
appears to have lost this property.
 NORMAL CELLS VS CANCEROUS CELLS

NORMAL CELLS CANCEROUS CELLS

● Uncontrolled, abnormal and
Cell division, cell growth excessive mitotic division of cells.
& differentiation is highly ● Cells seem to spread to other
controlled and regulated. parts of the body because of the
● Cells adhere to each ‘Metastasis’ property exhibited by
other and remain in the them.
same place. ● Cells show abnormal cell
appearance and loss of
● Cells show normal physiological functioning.
appearance and
function ● Oncogenic\Cancerous cells
resists apoptosis leading to
● Normal cells undergo tumour growth
programmed cell death
 Types of cancer
● 1] Carcinoma: The cancer of the epithelial tissue
[Ectodermal and endodermal origin].
● Examples: Breast cancer, lung cancer, Prostate cancer, Cervical cancer, oral
cancer etc.
● Symptoms: Persistent cough, changes in bowel habits, lumps, skin changes
● 2] Sarcoma: Cancer of connective tissues. This type of cancer is Mesodermal
in origin.
● Examples: Bone cancer, Lymph node cancer, Muscle cancer.
Symptoms: Swelling, bone pain, lump formation under the skin.
● 3] Leukemia: Cancer of blood-forming tissues.
Symptoms: Fatigue, frequent infections, easy bruising.

●
 ymphoma and Myeloma: Cancers affecting the immune system.
mptoms: Fatigue, frequent infections and easy bruising.
se are tumours of haematopoietic cells.

5] Brain & Spinal cord cancers: Environmental factors, such as exposure to radiation or toxic chemicals.
Genetic changes, either at birth or acquired over a lifetime.
Metastasis’, which occurs when cancer spreads to the brain or spinal cord from another part of the body, such as the
ast, colon, lung or skin.

tastasis: are a mass of proliferating cells called neoplastic or tumor

s. These cells grow very rapidly, invading and damaging the
rounding normal tissues. As these cells actively divide and grow they
o starve the normal cells by competing for vital nutrients. Cells sloughed
m such tumors reach distant sites through blood, and wherever they
lodged in the body, they start a new tumor there. This property called
tastasis is the most feared property of malignant tumors.
Cancer tumours can be divided into three groups: benign, malignant or precancerous.

1]Benign tumours : are not cancerous and rarely threaten life. They tend to grow quite slowly, do not
spread to other parts of the body and are usually made up of cells quite similar to normal or healthy
cells. They will only cause a problem if they grow very large, becoming uncomfortable or press on
other organs - for example a brain tumour inside the skull.

2] Malignant tumours : are a mass of proliferating cells called neoplastic or tumor

cells. These cells grow very rapidly, invading and damaging the
surrounding normal tissues. As these cells actively divide and grow they
also starve the normal cells by competing for vital nutrients. Cells sloughed
from such tumors reach distant sites through blood, and wherever they
get lodged in the body, they start a new tumor there. This property called
metastasis is the most feared property of malignant tumors.

3] Precancerous (or premalignant) describes the condition involving abnormal cells which may (or is
likely to) develop into cancer.
2
 Cancer detection and diagnosis
1] Biopsy: Microscopic examination of a suspected tissue sample to confirm cancer. [A Histopathological study] a
piece of the suspected tissue cut into thin sections is stained and examined under microscope. This method is
generally performed by Pathologists.
2] FNAC[Fine needle aspiration cytology]: A fluid sample is collected from tumors and examined for the presence of
cancerous cells. It is similar to Pap smear technique.
3]Imaging: X-ray, C-T Scan and MRI to visualize tumors elaborately to generate 3-D of the internal apparatus.
Techniques like radiography (use of X-rays), CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) are
very useful to detect cancers of the internal organs. Computed tomography uses X-rays to generate a three-
dimensional image of the internals of an object. MRI uses strong magnetic fields and non-ionising radiations to
accurately detect pathological and physiological changes in a living tissue.
4] Blood examination: Checking for tumor markers[e.g. PSA for prostate cancer. ], alpha-feto protein for liver cancer.
This test is equipped for checking increased WBC counts in the case of leukemias.
5] Genetic testing: Identifying genetic mutations. Antibodies against cancer-specific antigens are also used for
detection of certain cancers. Techniques of molecular biology can be applied to detect genes in individuals with
inherited susceptibility to certain cancers. Identification of such genes, which predispose an
individual to certain cancers, may be very helpful in prevention of cancer
 Uterine cancer

Breast cancer :
Symptoms: First symptom of breast cancer is a lump in
breast or underarm. Lump is painless. Swelling of all or Most of the uterine cancers begin in the layer of cells that form t
part of breast. Skin irritation, Breast or nipple pain, lining of endometrium of uterus.
nipple retraction, Redness, scaliness or thickening of Symptoms : Abnormal bleeding between periods, vaginal bleedi
nipple or breast skin, discharge, etc. after menopause, an abnormal watery, blood-tinged discharge
Detection: Mammogram (x-ray), ultrasound, MRI, from vagina, pelvic pain.
Biopsy, Blood test. Treatment: Radiation therapy, Detection : It is diagnosed with Pap smear test, biopsy,
chemotherapy lumpectomy, Ultrasound. Treatment : Chemotherapy, radiation, surgical remo
of uterus (hysterectomy).
Carcinogens: Chemical, biological or
physical agents causing cancer.
● Transformation of normal cells into cancerous neoplastic cells may be induced by
physical, chemical or biological agents. These agents are called carcinogens
● Ionising radiations like X-rays and gamma rays and non-ionizing radiations like UV cause DNA
damage leading to neoplastic transformation.
● The chemical carcinogens present in tobacco smoke have been identified as a major cause of lung
cancer. Cancer-causing viruses called oncogenic viruses have genes called viral oncogenes.
Furthermore, several genes called cellular oncogenes (c-onc) or proto- oncogenes have been
identified in normal cells which, when activated under certain conditions, could lead to oncogenic
transformation of the cells.
● Depending on their mode of action, carcinogens fall under the following main categories:
● 1] Agents that can cause alterations in the genetic material [DNA], resulting in oncogenic
transformation that can lead to cancer eg: Ionising & Non-ionising radiations, chemicals
● 2] Agents that promote proliferation of cells, which have already undergone genetic alterations
responsible for oncogenic transformation. These agents are called, ‘Tumour promoters’ like some
Growth factors & hormones.
● 3] Cancer causing DNA nd RNA viruses[Tumor viruses] are also associated with
oncogenic\neoplastic transformation of cells.
The chemical carcinogens present in tobacco smoke have been
identified as a major cause of lung cancer. Tobacco and betal
chewing cause oral cancer. Heavy smoking, ‘N-nitrosodimethyl
amine’ causes cancer of larynx and lungs.
 Chemical & Physical
factors
1] Tobacco and betal chewing cause oral
cancer. Heavy smoking, ‘N-nitrosodimethyl
amine’ causes cancer of larynx and lungs,
oral cancer.
The combustion product of coal &
pesticides, artificial flavours, sweetners,
synthetic food and hormonal imbalance in
body causes cancer.
[Urinary bladder cancer is common in dye
workers] also The gas and soot in diesel
engine exhaust are believed to cause lung
cancer and other types of cancer.
Cancers linked to poor diet, lack of
physical activity, alcohol consumption,
smoking, and obesity are examples of
preventable cancers.
2] Physical factors: These carcinogens
come from the environment. UV rays from
sunlight and radiation from X-rays or other
radioactive materials are examples of
Topics to be completed :
● Treatment of cancer
● Prevention of cancer
● Cancer in INDIA
● Recent advances in Cancer research and Oncology.