Cancer genetics: a primer for surgeons.
Contemporary ideas of carcinogenesis envisage a series of stochastic genetic changes that confer a selective growth advantage over healthy cells. These changes collectively lead to the disruption of coordinated networks of intercellular communication and cause a fundamental change in cellular behavior, which affects processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. This progressive dysregulation of cellular function implies that cancer is not a morphologic entity, but a process in which the malignant phenotype is gradually acquired.
Benson
John R
JR
Cambridge Breast Unit, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK. john.benson@addenbrookes.nhs.uk
Liau
Siong-Seng
SS
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000235:genetics*; D052138:Genes, Neoplasm / Q000235:genetics*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000601:surgery*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor