Tumorinitiering

Tumorinitiering refers to the initial stage of cancer development where a normal cell undergoes a genetic alteration that marks the beginning of its transformation into a tumor cell. This process is often triggered by exposure to carcinogens, which are substances or agents that can cause cancer, or by spontaneous errors in DNA replication. These initial genetic changes, known as mutations, can affect genes that control cell growth, division, or repair.

Once a cell acquires these critical mutations, it may begin to divide uncontrollably, forming a small cluster of abnormal cells. This initial mass is not yet a malignant tumor and may not cause any symptoms. The cells at this stage are considered "initiated" because they have acquired the potential to develop into cancer. However, tumorinitiering alone is not sufficient for cancer to fully develop.

Further changes, often referred to as tumor promotion and progression, are necessary for the initiated cells to grow into a detectable tumor and eventually to invade surrounding tissues and metastasize to distant sites. These subsequent stages involve additional genetic and epigenetic alterations that enhance the cells' survival, growth, and ability to spread. Understanding tumorinitiering is crucial for developing preventive strategies and early detection methods for cancer.