Cancer

Cancer is a genetic disease. Yet, it is rarely the result of an inherited mutation that "runs" in a family. Instead, cancer generally arises from the accumulation of mutations in cells that cause excess cell division, and aberrant cell survival.

Image: Crowson, A., Magro, C., Mihm, M. Malignant adnexal neoplasms. Modern Pathology 19, S93-S126 (2006) doi:10.1038/modpathol.3800511.

Citation: Cancer. Cambridge, MA: NPG Education, 2010.

Last Updated: January 17, 2014 

Intermediate