1. Uncontrolled Cell Division: Cancer cells have lost the ability to regulate their cell division. They divide rapidly and continuously, even when the body doesn't need new cells. This uncontrolled growth leads to the formation of tumors.
2. Tumor Formation: Cancer cells have the ability to form solid tumors or invade and spread to other parts of the body, which is known as metastasis. Noncancerous cells, on the other hand, remain within their normal boundaries and do not invade nearby tissues.
3. Disruption of Normal Tissue Architecture: As cancer cells grow and accumulate, they disrupt the normal structure and function of tissues and organs. Noncancerous cells maintain the normal organization and function of the tissues they reside in.
4. Loss of Contact Inhibition: Normally, healthy cells stop dividing when they come into contact with neighboring cells, a phenomenon known as contact inhibition. Cancer cells, however, lose this ability, allowing them to pile up and form masses of cells.
5. Increased Mobility and Invasion: Cancer cells can acquire the ability to move and invade nearby tissues. They can break through the barriers that normally confine them, leading to local invasion and the potential for metastasis.
6. Altered Metabolism: Cancer cells undergo metabolic changes to support their rapid growth and survival. They often exhibit a phenomenon called aerobic glycolysis, where they convert glucose to lactate even in the presence of sufficient oxygen. This is known as the Warburg effect.
7. Angiogenesis: Cancer cells often stimulate the formation of new blood vessels to support their increased nutrient and oxygen requirements. This process, known as angiogenesis, contributes to tumor growth and facilitates metastasis.
8. Evasion of the Immune System: Cancer cells sometimes develop mechanisms to evade detection and destruction by the immune system. They may produce molecules that inhibit immune responses or express proteins that make them unrecognizable to immune cells.
9. Immortality: Unlike normal cells, cancer cells have the potential to divide indefinitely. They bypass the programmed cell death process known as apoptosis, which plays a vital role in regulating cell turnover and eliminating damaged or unwanted cells.
It's important to note that there are many different types of cancer, and the specific characteristics of cancer cells may vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. However, the traits described above represent some of the key differences between cancer cells and noncancerous cells. Understanding these differences is crucial for developing effective cancer treatments and therapies.