Tumorigenesis

Term: TumorigenesisDefinition: The process by which normal cells transform into tumor cells, often leading to cancer.Phonetic Pronunciation: (too-mor-ih-JEN-uh-sis)Origin: The term "tumorigenesis" is derived from the Latin word "tumor," meaning swelling, and the Greek suffix "-genesis," meaning origin or production. This reflects the concept of the origin or development of tumors.Significance in Asbestos Context: Tumorigenesis is significant in asbestos-related cases because asbestos exposure can initiate this process, leading to cancers such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Understanding the mechanisms of tumorigenesis can help in diagnosing and treating asbestos-related diseases.Example Sentence: Research has shown that asbestos fibers can trigger tumorigenesis, increasing the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma.Related Terms: Carcinogenesis, Oncogenesis, Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer, AsbestosisNotes: - Tumorigenesis is not immediate and can take decades to manifest after asbestos exposure. - The process involves multiple genetic and molecular changes within cells. - Not all cases of asbestos exposure lead to tumorigenesis; other factors like smoking can increase the risk.