Differences between Cancer Cells and Normal Cells

Key Differences Explained

Understanding the differences between cancer cells and normal cells is crucial for comprehending how cancer develops and behaves within the body. Here are the key distinctions:

• Growth: Normal cells grow, divide, and die in an orderly manner, following the body's needs. Cancer cells, however, undergo uncontrolled growth and division, forming tumors that invade surrounding tissues.
• Function: Normal cells perform specific functions vital for the body's health, such as carrying oxygen or digesting food. Cancer cells often lose their specialized functions and may secrete chemicals that disrupt normal body processes.
• Structure: While normal cells have a uniform size and shape suited to their function, cancer cells display irregular shapes and sizes. These abnormalities contribute to their invasive behavior.
• Communication: Normal cells respond to signals that regulate their growth and division, ensuring balance in the body's tissues. Cancer cells, however, ignore these signals and continue to grow uncontrollably.
• Repair: Normal cells have mechanisms to repair damaged DNA or, if repair is impossible, undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis) to prevent mutations from proliferating. Cancer cells often have defective repair mechanisms, leading to the accumulation of genetic mutations.

These differences illustrate why cancer is such a complex disease and emphasize the importance of targeted treatments that can distinguish between cancerous and healthy cells.