Chapter 31, Problem 1TC

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The two attributes of epithelial tissue that make cancer more likely to develop.

Introduction:

Cancer is a condition, in which there is an uncontrolled growth of cells. It can occur in anywhere in the body. It is also called tumor. It is of two types – malignant and benign. Malignant tumor is that tumor which spreads from one region to other and benign tumor is that tumor that is located in a specific region.

Explanation of Solution

Epithelial tissue is found in most of the parts of the body internally. Cancer of epithelial cells is called carcinomas. Maximum cancers in this tissue arise due to the fact that they divide and replicate very fast because they have to meet the deficiency of those cells and tissues that wither away. Due their high rate of replication they have the chances of transforming into a cancerous tissue.

The other factor that epithelial tissues develop cancer is that they cover most of the organs and places in the human body. Cells of epithelial tissues are also the outermost layer and help in protecting body against germs and dirt. In the atmosphere and the surroundings there are many mutagens that are present in the surroundings. So they have a greater chance of coming in contact with a mutagen or mutation causing organisms and agents. So they develop cancer more rapidly in comparison to other tissues.

Conclusion

The two reasons for epithelial tissues to become cancerous are that they have a very fast rate of replication and the second reason is that they are present in the outermost layer of the body so they have a greater chance than other tissues to interact with mutagens that cause cancers by causing mutations.