From a pathological perspective, cancers occur due to the failure of the immune system. It is evident that the immune system plays key roles in preventing cancer through regulating cell population in the body. Ordinarily, the body’s immune system is usually involved in some cellular processes, especially in the cell cycle in which it destroys old or defective cells through programmed cell death, a process commonly known as apoptosis. In the context of cancer, this process is usually impaired, thus damaged or defective cells are not destroyed by the immune system. In addition, the impairment of the immune system’s activity affects cellular homeostasis processes including irregular cell division. These factors are responsible for tumor growth and progression of cancer. Gastric cancer affects the digestive system, primarily the stomach. Anatomically, the stomach occupies the region from the esophageal junction to the duodenum. Therefore, aim of this research is to carry out a comprehensive review of gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Biological Changes during Onset and Progression of Gastric Cancer
Distinctive Characteristics of Cancer Cells
Effect of Gastric Cancer in the Body
Therapies for Gastric Cancer
Lifestyle Changes in Gastric Cancer Prevention and Treatment
Relationship between Gastric Cancer and other Cancers
Research Objectives and Key Themes
This research provides a comprehensive review of the biological and pathological mechanisms underlying gastric cancer, examining how genetic alterations, cellular mutations, and lifestyle factors contribute to the development and progression of the disease within the human digestive system.
- Pathological mechanisms of gastric cancer onset.
- Genetic mutations and their impact on cellular homeostasis.
- Distinctions between normal and cancerous gastric cells.
- Physiological effects and systemic impact of tumor progression.
- Therapeutic modalities and preventive lifestyle interventions.
Excerpt from the Book
Distinctive Characteristics of Cancer Cells
In practice, the appearance of tissues and organs is determined by the types and arrangement of cells that constitute specific tissues or organs. Cancer is usually identified on the basis of the normal appearance of tissues. Therefore, the distinction between characteristics of cancer cells and normal cells is paramount in pathological investigations of cancer. From a pathological perspective, a comprehensive distinction can be guided by three core features; shape and size of the cells, nucleus appearance and the arrangement of cells in tissues. Ordinarily, normal cells exhibit consistency in the size and shape. In contrast, cancer cells lack consistency, they are either smaller or larger than normal cells, and their shapes are distorted due to cytoskeletal changes. Second, cancer cells have larger and darker nucleus compared to normal cells. Finally the arrangement of normal cells possesses characteristics which are specific to a certain tissue or organ. For instance, gastric cells form glands that produce mucus to protect the gastric wall, digestive enzymes and gastric acid that aid digestion. In contrast, gastric cancer cells form distorted glands. Another significant difference between normal gastric cells and gastric cancer cells is that, normal cells are localized implying that they stay within the gastric walls. This localization is absent in gastric cancer cells because they spread to other surrounding tissues during the progression of the disease, a phenomenon known as metastasis (Duffy, McGowan & Gallagher, 2008).
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This chapter establishes the pathological basis of cancer as a failure of the immune system and defines the anatomical scope of gastric cancer.
Biological Changes during Onset and Progression of Gastric Cancer: This section explores how epigenetic modifications and gene mutations, such as those in CDH1 and TP53, drive tumor growth and abnormal cell signaling.
Distinctive Characteristics of Cancer Cells: This chapter differentiates between normal and malignant cells based on morphological features, nuclear appearance, and the loss of tissue localization.
Effect of Gastric Cancer in the Body: This chapter details the systemic physiological consequences of gastric cancer, including obstructions, hemorrhage, and the impairment of homeostatic processes.
Therapies for Gastric Cancer: This chapter reviews the primary clinical interventions for managing the disease, including surgery, radiation therapy, and various chemotherapy regimens.
Lifestyle Changes in Gastric Cancer Prevention and Treatment: This chapter examines risk factors such as diet and tobacco use, offering strategies for prevention through weight management and nutritional choices.
Relationship between Gastric Cancer and other Cancers: This chapter highlights the molecular similarities between gastric cancer and other malignancies, such as prostate and colorectal cancer, stemming from shared genetic mutations.
Keywords
Gastric Cancer, Tumor Progression, Genetic Mutation, CDH1 Gene, TP53 Gene, Metastasis, Cellular Homeostasis, Oncology, Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, Digestive System, Epigenetic Modification, Pathophysiology, Tumor Suppressor Gene, Lifestyle Risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The work provides a comprehensive overview of the biological, genetic, and clinical aspects of gastric cancer, detailing how it develops and affects the human body.
What are the central thematic areas covered?
The study covers the biological onset of cancer, the morphological differences of cancer cells, physiological symptoms, therapeutic strategies, and the influence of lifestyle on prevention.
What is the main goal of the research?
The primary aim is to conduct a scholarly review of gastric cancer, explaining the molecular basis of its progression from initial genetic mutations to advanced stages.
Which scientific methods are discussed?
The text focuses on molecular and pathological analysis, referencing clinical investigations and studies concerning gene expression and cellular behavior.
What topics are explored in the main body?
The main body examines epigenetic modifications, the role of specific genes like CDH1 and TP53, the pathophysiology of tumor growth, and standard medical treatments like surgery and chemotherapy.
How would you characterize this research using keywords?
Key terms include gastric cancer, metastasis, genetic mutation, tumor progression, pathophysiology, and oncology.
How do genetic alterations on the CDH1 gene specifically affect gastric cells?
Alterations on the CDH1 gene impair the expression of E-cadherin, which is vital for cell-cell adhesion and structural integrity, ultimately leading to disorganized tissue development and tumorigenesis.
What is the clinical significance of metastasis in the context of this study?
Metastasis signifies the transition where cancer cells lose their localization to the gastric walls and spread to surrounding tissues, marking a critical progression in the severity of the disease.
- Citation du texte
- Patrick Kimuyu (Auteur), 2017, Cancer Research. The Biology of Gastric Cancer, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/384370
