CHARACTERISTICS OF CANCER Free Essay Example, 2000 words

Compared to their benign counterparts, malignant tumors that have cells that are undifferentiated are identified as Anaplasic, broadly speaking, this refers to cells exhibiting a loss of functional and morphological differentiation which would be otherwise present in normal cells. Such cells also exhibit Pleomorphism i. e. clear variation in shape and size. They have nuclei which are large and hyperchromatic and can be clearly identified by their dark stain. An increased nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio together with abnormally large nucleoli and chromatin that is thick and clumped is observed. It is interesting to note that they also have an abnormal mitotic process in which multiple anarchic spindles are observed, particularly in quadripolar and tripolar forms. A greater degree of anaplasia corresponds to a more aggressive tumor whereas a well differentiated tumor indicates a less aggressive tumor. A. Carcinoma is a malignant tumor that manifests in the epithelium and has multiple variations. These include: i) Squamous cell carcinoma: They are identified by their distinct production of Keratin and are found in the stratified squamous epithelium of the mouth, skin, and vagina and in the regions of squamous metaplasia, particularly in the squamocolumnar junctions of the uterine cervix and in the bronchi. We will write a custom essay sample on CHARACTERISTICS OF CANCER or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now ii) Transitional cell carcinoma: They develop in the transitional cell epithelium of the urinary tract. iii) Adenocarcinoma: They are particularly found in the glandular epithelium and therefore include tumors of the mucosal layer of the gastrointestinal region, the endometrium and the pancreas. Often found in correlation with the tumor-induced spread of non-neoplastic fibrous connective tissue, namely in the adenocarcinoma of the prostate, breasts and the pancreas, which is otherwise known as Desmoplasia. B. Sarcoma: It is a tumor that has its origins in the mesenchymal layer. Different manifestations include Osteosarcoma (bone), rhabdmyosarcoma (skeletal muscle), leiomyosarcoma (smooth muscle) and liposarcoma (fatty tissue). C. Teratoma: It is a neoplasm which is composed of different tissue types, usually the three germ layers, none of which are present in its region of occurrence. Usually found in the ovaries or testis. D. Eponymous tumors: Namely Burkitts lymphoma, Hodgkin disease and Wilms tumor. Benign Tumors: Benign tumors are characterized by their slow growth and lack of metastasis in contrast to malignant tumors, similarity to the tissue of their origin and a great degree of differentiation.