|
![]() |
![]() |
How Cancer Grows 1. DNA of a normal cell Next page This interaction illustrates the growth and spread of a type of cancer known as carcinoma. Carcinomas originate in the body's epithelial tissues, which are thin cell layers, often a single cell deep, that line body cavities and outer surfaces. Epithelial tissues are found in many organs and glands. ![]() Within every nucleus of every one of the human body's 30 trillion cells exists DNA, the substance that contains the information needed to make and control every cell within the body. Here is a close-up view of a tiny fragment of DNA. This piece of DNA is an exact copy of the DNA from which it came. When the parent cell divided to create two cells, the cell's DNA also divided, creating two identical copies of the original DNA. Next page 1. DNA of a normal cell | 2. Mutation of DNA | 3. Genetically altered cell | 4. Spread and second mutation | 5. Third mutation | 6. Fourth mutation | 7. Breaking through the membrane | 8. Angiogenesis | 9. Invasion and dispersal | 10. Tumor cells travel | 11. Metastasis Watch the Program Here | Dr. Folkman Speaks | Cancer Caught on Video Designing Clinical Trials | Accidental Discoveries | How Cancer Grows Help/Resources | Transcript | Site Map | Cancer Warrior Home Editor's Picks | Previous Sites | Join Us/E-mail | TV/Web Schedule About NOVA | Teachers | Site Map | Shop | Jobs | Search | To print PBS Online | NOVA Online | WGBH © | Updated February 2001 |