Other terms
- Oncology
- Open-Angle Glaucoma
- Open-Label Trial
- Ophthalmology
- Optic Nerve
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteosarcoma
- Over-the-Counter (OTC) Applications
- Overall Survival
- Palliative Care
- Palliative Chemotherapy
- Pancreatic Insufficiency
Oncogenesis
What is Oncogenesis? Oncogenesis, also called tumorigenesis, is the process whereby ordinary cells transform into cancerous cells. Oncogenesis is caused by genetic mutations that alter a cell's DNA, causing it to multiply uncontrollably and form tumors. Exposure to environmental and chemical carcinogens, genetic predispositions, and viral infections are some of the factors that are known to trigger cellular mutations.
What Causes Oncogenesis?
Genetic Mutations
Oncogenesis often begins with mutations in genes that regulate cell growth and repair. These can be inherited or acquired.
Environmental Factors
Exposure to certain chemicals, radiation, and chronic inflammation can cause DNA damage, leading to oncogenesis.
Viruses and Bacteria
Viral and bacterial infections can contribute to oncogenesis by subjecting the body to prolonged inflammation, introducing carcinogenic compounds, altering cellular function, or influencing gene expression.
Lifestyle Factors
Various lifestyle choices can trigger oncogenesis in individuals. Consumption of carcinogenic compounds in tobacco and certain foods, lack of physical activity, and occupational exposures to carcinogenic chemicals are a few examples.
Stages of Oncogenesis
Oncogenesis, or the formation of cancer, typically progresses through three main stages:
- Initiation: The cell undergoes a genetic mutation.
- Promotion: The mutated cell is stimulated to replicate rapidly.
- Progression: The mutate cells invade surrounding tissues and metastasize.
Source: 1.https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Carcinogenesis-phases-initiation-promotion-progression-and-metastasis-A-Initiation_fig2_279304092
