Tumorképzdés

Tumorképződés, or tumorigenesis, refers to the complex biological process by which normal cells transform into cancerous cells. This transformation is typically driven by a series of genetic mutations that accumulate over time, disrupting the cell's normal growth, division, and death cycles. These mutations can affect genes that control cell proliferation (oncogenes), genes that suppress tumor formation (tumor suppressor genes), or genes involved in DNA repair.

The development of a tumor is not a single event but rather a multi-step process. Initially, a cell may acquire a mutation that allows it to divide uncontrollably. Subsequent mutations can provide further advantages, such as the ability to evade the immune system, induce the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) to nourish the growing tumor, or invade surrounding tissues and metastasize to distant sites.

Environmental factors, such as exposure to carcinogens like tobacco smoke, UV radiation, or certain viruses, can significantly contribute to the accumulation of these critical mutations. Additionally, inherited genetic predispositions can increase an individual's susceptibility to developing cancer. Understanding tumorképződés is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic interventions aimed at halting or reversing the cancerous transformation of cells.