Research suggests that cancer stem cells irritate tissues and trigger their proliferation. However, it is unclear how cancer stem cells irritate tissues and what the causes of this occurrence may be. Some researchers suggest that cancer may be a consequence of sustained cell proliferation, which is the primary cause of neoplastic diseases. These cells can arise at the site of a physical or chemical injury. After the injured tissue has been repaired, proliferation tends to subside.
Molecular mechanisms are not completely understood, but there is a clear link between inflammation and cancer. Inflammation and tumour cells may usurp the innate immune system or other critical mechanisms. Inflammation and cancer are intimately related processes and many excellent reviews have been published in this area. Ultimately, these two processes may promote the development of cancer. Let’s take a closer look at these processes. We’ll begin with the inflammatory response.
Inflammation is a critical feature of tumour progression. Many cancers are derived from sites of chronic irritation or infection. Inflammatory cells orchestrate the tumour microenvironment to support tumour proliferation and survival. Inflammation also blunts the innate immune system by promoting tumour cell migration, invasion, and chemokine production. So, it’s easy to see how cancer stem cells irritate the body and contribute to tumour growth.
Several similarities exist between cancer stem cells and normal stem cells. For instance, cancer stem cells regulate the growth of differentiated cells in the body. Likewise, normal tissue cells establish a hierarchy of regenerative cells that consists of a mixture of stem cells, progenitors, and differentiated cells. However, cancer stem cells generate an aberrant hierarchy, resulting in a proliferation of rapidly proliferating cells.
The cancer stem cell hypothesis also suggests that not all tumor cells are created equal. Known as cancer stem cells, gliomas contain a mix of cells from different neural lineages. The cancerous stem cells in gliomas that express the CD133 surface marker have increased self-renewal capacity and are able to generate tumor spheres in vitro. They are able to differentiate into different cellular phenotypes, expressing both neuronal and glial markers.
During the treatment, mouth sores may appear on the soft tissues of the lips or mouth. Some can extend into the esophagus, the tube that carries food to the stomach. Mouth sores can be a side effect of chemotherapy or radiation, which are intended to kill cancer cells quickly, but may also damage healthy tissue. Therefore, patients must be aware of the risks associated with these treatments.
