This deep dive covers Metastasis: The Spread of Cancer within Cancer and Cell Division Control for GCSE Biology. Cancer development, cell cycle control mechanisms, tumor formation, risk factors, prevention methods, and treatment approaches It is section 3 of 18 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Metastasis: The Spread of Cancer
Metastasis is the most dangerous aspect of cancer - the ability of cancer cells to spread from the original tumor to distant parts of the body.
How Cancer Spreads
- Local invasion: Cancer cells break through surrounding tissue
- Enter the bloodstream: Cancer cells break into blood vessels or the lymphatic system
- Travel: Cells are carried to distant parts of the body
- Exit at new site: Cancer cells leave the blood vessels at a new location
- Secondary tumour: Cells multiply and form a new tumour in a different organ
Why Metastasis is Dangerous
- Makes cancer much harder to treat completely
- Can disrupt multiple organ systems
- Primary cause of cancer-related deaths
- May occur years after initial treatment
Practice questions for Cancer and Cell Division Control
In a healthy cell, cell division is controlled by:
Explain the difference between benign and malignant tumors.
Quick recall flashcards
What is cancer?
Cancer is a group of diseases involving uncontrolled cell division, where cells divide continuously without normal restrictions.
Name three environmental carcinogens.
Tobacco smoke, UV radiation from sunlight, and asbestos fibers. (Also accept: ionizing radiation, benzene, formaldehyde, etc.)