Tumors Gradually Acquire Mutations to Evolve from Benign to Malignant

question 30

Essay

Tumors gradually acquire mutations to evolve from benign to malignant lesions. Because that takes some time, cancer is primarily a disease of aging. So, how can childhood cancers be explained?

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Definitions:

Atomic Number

The number of protons in the atomic nucleus of an atom, which uniquely identifies the element to which the atom corresponds.

Chemical Behavior

Describes the reactions and interactions of substances based on their chemical properties and the conditions under which they occur.

Neutrons

Particles within an atom's nucleus that carry no electric charge and have a mass marginally greater than that of protons.

Atomic Weight

The average mass of atoms of an element, calculated using the relative abundance of isotopes in a naturally-occurring element.