Cancer Cells
Definition
Cancer cells are abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and have the ability to infiltrate and destroy normal body tissue.
Analogy
Imagine cancer cells as weeds in a garden. They grow rapidly, take up space, use resources meant for other plants (cells), and can spread if not controlled.
Related terms
Benign Tumor: A non-cancerous growth that does not invade surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body. It's like an isolated patch of weeds that doesn't spread beyond its area.
Malignant Tumor: A cancerous growth that invades surrounding tissues and can metastasize (spread) to distant organs via blood or lymphatic system. Like aggressive weeds spreading all over your garden.
Metastasis: The process by which cancer spreads from the place at which it first arose as a primary tumor to distant locations in the body.
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