How Do Cancer Cells Differ Morphologically From Normal Cells?
Cancer cells often exhibit several key morphological differences from normal cells. These include:
Increased Nuclear Size: Cancer cells typically have larger nuclei with irregular shapes and prominent nucleoli. Irregular Cell Borders: The cell membranes of cancer cells are often uneven and jagged. High Mitotic Index: Cancer cells frequently divide, leading to a higher number of cells in mitosis compared to normal tissue. Loss of Differentiation: Cancer cells may lose the specialized features of their tissue of origin, a phenomenon known as anaplasia.
