Cancer: Immune System and Cells Essay

Submitted By kiarasmth
Words: 347
Pages: 2

By researching stem cells scientists have suggested that too much SP2 protein may turn stem cells into cancer cells.[3] Other issues thought to play a role in the spread of cancer include viruses, immune system issues, genetics, environment and age.[4] However, a lack of particular co-stimulated molecules that aid in the way antigens react with lymphocytes can impair the natural killer cells ability and ultimately cause cancer.[2]
All cancers begin in cells, the body's basic unit of life. To understand cancer, it's helpful to know what happens when normal cells become cancer cells.
The body is made up of many types of cells. These cells grow and are controlled to produce more cells as they are needed to keep the body healthy. When cells become old or damaged, they die and are replaced with new cells.
Sometimes this process of controlled production of cells goes wrong. The genetic material (DNA) of a cell start producing mutations that affect normal cell growth and division by being damaged. When this happens, these cells do not die but form a mass of tissue called a tumor. Said mutations accumulate, being another reason that cancer is found more often in older people.
Pathology [edit]

White Blood cells are thought to use a dual receptor system when they determine whether or not to kill human cells. If a cell is under stress, turning into tumors, or infected molecules including MIC-A and MIC-B are produced to put on the surface of the cell.[1] These work to detect and