Characteristics of Cancer Cells: What Makes Them Different

Key characteristics of cancer cells

Here are some of the key characteristics of cancer cells, which makes them different from healthy cells, including:

1. Uncontrolled cell growth

In our body, healthy cells follow a strict lifecycle, which include their growth and they divide, and even die in controlled manner. While cancer cells ignore these regulatory guidelines, these cells bypass the checkpoint that normally tells a cell when to stop dividing. This often leads to continuous, unregulated cell growth and forming masses which are also known as tumors, (except blood cancers, which spread throughout the body). 

2. Evading cell death

In cells, it has built-in self-destroy mechanisms called apoptosis, which helps to eliminate damaged or unnecessary cells. Cancer cells tend to disable this system, which allows them to survive much longer than they should. This type of evasion of death gives them a major survival advantage and contributes to the tumor formation.

3. Ability to invade and spread

Normal healthy cells tend to stay in their designated tissues, while cancer cells generally break this rule. They start to invade the surrounding tissues and spread to distant organs through the blood or lymphatic system. This process is commonly known as metastasis, which makes cancer especially dangerous and difficult to treat as well. 

4. Angiogenesis

When the tumor starts to grow in the body, they need oxygen and other nutrients. Cancer cells can stimulate the formation of new blood cells, which is a process known as angiogenesis, to feed the growing tumor. This ability ensures their survival and supports rapid growth of cancer cells. 

5. Genetic instability

Cancer cells are known for their genetic mutations. The DNA damage will normally trigger repair or cell death, which goes unnoticed. Over time, this process will lead to chromosomal abnormalities and further genetic mutations, which make cancer cells increasingly aggressive and resistant to further cancer treatment.

6. Avoiding the immune system

The immune system of our body constantly scans for any abnormal cells. Cancer cells use smart ways to hide from immune detection by producing the immunosuppressing molecules. It creates a tumor microenvironment that weakens the immune system.

7. Change in metabolism

Cancer cells renew their energy production systems. Instead of relying primarily on oxygen-based metabolism, as normal and healthy cells do, they often change to a less efficient process known as aerobic glycolysis, also referred to as the Warburg effect. It is a type of metabolic shift that used to help them grow quickly, even in low-oxygen environments.

8. Loss of specialised function

Healthy cells have specific roles, including muscle cells contracting and liver cells detoxifying the body, while cancer cells often use these specialized features. Cancer cells tend to revert to a more primitive, undifferentiated state, which often prioritizes a rapid division over a normal function.

9. Ignoring the growth suppressor gene

Within the DNA there are some ‘brakes,’ known as tumor suppressor genes, like p53 and RB1, which help to regulate the cancer growth. Cancer cells constantly mutate or inactivate these genes, which allows them to bypass growth limits and start to divide uncontrollably.

Consult Today

A cancer diagnosis can be frightening. While modern cancer research continues to discover new ways to target these unique cancer cells, often turning what we have discovered about their weaknesses into more advanced therapies, it can save lives. Every medical advance, especially in cancer care, makes cancer treatment different and brings us to get closer to better, more personalized, and less harmful treatments. 

At Oncare, we offer premium-quality cancer treatments, including advanced cancer surgeries at an affordable price range with an experienced cancer specialist consultation.

If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our experienced cancer specialist today! Get an estimated cost of your cancer treatment today!