Cancer Cancer- abnormally growing and dividing cells of a malignant neoplasm. Neoplasms- abnormal...

CancerCancer- abnormally growing and dividing

cells of a malignant neoplasm.

Neoplasms- abnormal masses of cells that has lost control over how they grow and divide

Benign tumor Malignant tumor

Figure 7.15aPage 109

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Cancer cells have 4 characteristics

• Grow and divide abnormally

• Cells have significantly altered cytoplasm and plasma membranes

• Cells have a weakened capacity for adhesion

• Usually have lethal effects

Cancer rates rose in most industrial nations in the 20th century

• 2nd leading cause of death in U.S.• A.C.S. estimates ½ of males and 1/3 of

females will have some form of cancer in their lifetime.

• EPA estimates that in the U.S. more than 200 million people live in areas where the combined upper limit lifetime cancer risk is 10 times the risk normally considered acceptable.

Fun at the Beach

Where does cancer come from?

• Cancer cells are not foreign cells• How does this damage occur?

– Inherited• Some forms of cancer can be hereditary,

– Viruses– HIV patients may get the cancer Kaposi sarcoma

– Carcinogens- substances that cause cancer, invasive out-of-control cell growth

– Ex: Asbestos, Benzene, DDT, Radon, PCB (all found in your neighborhood!)

– Cigarette smoke contains benzopropene, a known carcinogen.

Treating Cancer

• Surgery– By completely removing the cancerous cells, a

person can rid themselves of the cancer.

• Chemotherapy– Colchicine inhibits the development of spindles as

the nuclei are dividing.

• Radiation – Destroys the cancer cells in the treated area.

Control cell:Normal spindle forms

HTPH2 treated:Spindle formation blocked