kasvainprosessista

Kasvainprosessi, known in English as neoplastic process or tumorigenesis, refers to the biological process by which normal cells transform into cancer cells. This transformation is typically a multi-step event involving genetic mutations and epigenetic alterations that disrupt normal cell growth, division, and death. These changes lead to uncontrolled proliferation and the formation of a mass, which is a tumor or neoplasm.

Tumors can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors are non-cancerous; they grow but do not invade surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, are cancerous. They have the ability to invade local tissues and metastasize, meaning they can spread through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to form secondary tumors in distant organs.

The development of a kasvainprosessi is influenced by a variety of factors. These include inherited genetic predispositions, exposure to carcinogens such as tobacco smoke, radiation, and certain viruses, as well as lifestyle factors like diet and physical activity. The accumulation of mutations over time is a key driver, with cells losing their ability to repair DNA damage and regulate their cell cycle. This leads to genomic instability, accelerating the acquisition of further mutations and pushing cells further down the path of malignancy. Understanding the kasvainprosessi is crucial for developing effective diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies to combat cancer.