
Cancer cells
Cancer cells are abnormal cells that grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a mass called a tumor. Unlike normal cells, which follow regulated growth patterns and die when needed, cancer cells ignore these signals, leading to unchecked expansion. They can invade nearby tissues and sometimes spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system—a process called metastasis. These cells often avoid the body's immune response and may have genetic mutations that support their growth. Cancer cells vary widely depending on the type, but their common feature is their ability to grow in a disorderly, aggressive manner, disrupting normal bodily functions.