Chapter 45, Problem 2O

Summary Introduction

To define:

Various types of malignancy.

Concept introduction:

Carcinogenesis is also known as tumorigenesis, is the progression of cancer. Cancer is a group of diseases in which normal cells are transformed into genetically abnormal cells. Cancer is characterized by genetic or cellular changes, uncontrolled growth of cells, invasion, metastasis, and antiapoptosis. Cancer cells lack differentiation and maturation into specialized cells. Cancer cells invade adjacent tissues and travel to other parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic system.  Drugs, which are used to treat cancer is generally known as chemotherapeutic drugs or antineoplastic drugs. The major adverse effects of chemotherapy are immune suppression, gastrointestinal distress, fatigue, anemia, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and stomatitis. Most of the antineoplastic drugs cause adverse effects on rapidly dividing cells (for example, bone marrow cells, GI tract cells, and hair follicles).