Vähirakkudes

Vähirakkudes refers to cancer cells in Estonian. Cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and division of abnormal cells. These cells can invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, a process known as metastasis. Vähirakkudes originate from normal cells that have undergone genetic mutations. These mutations can be caused by various factors, including carcinogens in the environment, radiation, viruses, and inherited genetic predispositions.

Unlike normal cells, vähirakkudes often lose their ability to regulate their growth and can evade the body's natural mechanisms for programmed cell death, or apoptosis. This uncontrolled proliferation leads to the formation of tumors, which can disrupt the function of organs and tissues. The specific characteristics of vähirakkudes, such as their rate of growth, invasiveness, and response to treatment, vary widely depending on the type of cancer.

Diagnosis of cancer typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging techniques, and laboratory tests, including biopsies to examine the cells themselves. Treatment strategies for cancer are diverse and depend on the type, stage, and location of the disease. Common treatments include surgery to remove tumors, chemotherapy to kill cancer cells, radiation therapy to damage cancer cell DNA, and targeted therapies that focus on specific molecular pathways involved in cancer growth. Ongoing research aims to better understand the biology of vähirakkudes to develop more effective and less toxic treatments.