Malignant transformation
Malignant Transformation
Malignant transformation (/məˈlɪɡnənt trænsfərˈmeɪʃən/) is a complex, multistep process by which normal cells undergo a series of genetic and epigenetic changes to evolve progressively into a malignant state.
Etymology
The term "malignant transformation" is derived from the Latin word "malignus" meaning "evil" or "harmful", and the Latin word "transformatio" meaning "a shaping, a transformation".
Definition
Malignant transformation is the process by which cells acquire the properties of cancer. This may occur as a primary process in normal tissue, or secondarily as malignant degeneration of a previously existing benign tumor.
Related Terms
- Cancer: A group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.
- Benign tumor: A non-cancerous growth that does not spread to other parts of the body.
- Malignant tumor: A cancerous growth that can spread to other parts of the body.
- Metastasis: The process by which cancer cells spread from the place where they first formed to another part of the body.
- Oncogene: A gene that has the potential to cause cancer. In tumor cells, these genes are often mutated or expressed at high levels.
- Tumor suppressor gene: A gene that protects a cell from one step on the path to cancer. When this gene mutates to cause a loss or reduction in its function, the cell can progress to cancer.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Malignant transformation
- Wikipedia's article - Malignant transformation
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