What are bad cells in the body?
Bad cells in the body are primarily those that malfunction and disrupt normal bodily functions. The most well-known examples are cancer cells.
Cancer cells are the quintessential example of cells gone wrong. Unlike normal cells which grow, divide, and die in an orderly fashion, cancer cells exhibit uncontrolled growth and reproduction. They ignore the body's normal signals to stop dividing and continue to replicate, forming masses called tumors. These tumors can invade surrounding tissues and spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Cancer Research UK explains that unlike healthy cells, cancer cells do not mature or specialize, leading to their uncontrolled growth. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) details that before cancer cells form, cells undergo abnormal changes called hyperplasia. What Is Cancer? - NCI
Furthermore, the development of cancer can occur in various cell types throughout the body. The Development and Causes of Cancer - The Cell - NCBI Bookshelf clarifies that cancer can stem from the abnormal proliferation of any cell type, resulting in a diverse range of cancers.
Other "Bad" Cells: A Broader Perspective
While cancer cells are the most prominent example, other cellular malfunctions can also be considered "bad":
- Cells with damaged DNA: DNA damage can lead to cellular dysfunction and potentially contribute to the development of cancer or other diseases. In brief: How do cancer cells grow and spread? - InformedHealth.org explains that damaged DNA disrupts cellular instructions, causing abnormalities.
- Senescent cells: These cells have stopped dividing but haven't died, and they can release substances harmful to nearby cells. Does cellular senescence hold secrets for healthier aging ... While not inherently "bad," their prolonged presence can negatively impact tissue health.
- Cells involved in autoimmune diseases: In autoimmune disorders, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells. Autoimmune disorders: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia highlights that the immune system's blood cells can attack healthy cells, causing harm.
- Sickle cells: In sickle cell disease, abnormal hemoglobin causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped, impairing oxygen transport and causing various health problems. What Is Sickle Cell Disease? | NHLBI, NIH explains this inherited blood disorder and its effects.
It's crucial to remember that "bad" cells are a spectrum, encompassing a range of cellular abnormalities and dysfunctions, with cancer cells representing a severe and life-threatening example. Many cells with minor issues are repaired or eliminated by the body's natural processes, highlighting its inherent resilience.
