Tumor biology
Tumor biology examines how abnormal cell clones acquire changes that affect proliferation, survival, local invasion and sometimes dissemination. Cancer develops through interactions among genetic events, tissue context and host responses.
Open interactive lesson & self-check ↗Tumor biology — specialty learning map
Original conceptual SVG · scalableOriginal overview diagram showing four related domains. This is not a literal anatomy drawing, histologic image or clinical decision rule.
Clonal evolution
Cell populations may accumulate genetic and epigenetic alterations. Selection can favor variants able to survive or grow in their tissue environment.
Growth and death balance
Neoplastic cells may gain sustained proliferative signaling or evade normal growth suppression and regulated cell death.
Tumor microenvironment
Stromal cells, immune cells, blood vessels and extracellular matrix influence tumor behavior and the response to treatment.
Invasion and dissemination
Local tissue invasion, entry into circulation and growth at distant sites are different biological steps. Metastatic potential varies by tumor type.
Reference and next reading
Explore the original curriculum and publisher-hosted resources for full-depth reading; this note is an original schematic introduction, not an exhaustive chapter.