Here's a breakdown:
* Normal Cell Division: Cells divide in a controlled way, following signals that tell them when to grow, divide, and die. This process is essential for growth, repair, and maintaining healthy tissues.
* Uncontrolled Cell Division: When this control mechanism malfunctions, cells may divide uncontrollably, leading to the formation of a mass of cells called a tumor.
* Benign Tumors: These tumors are generally non-cancerous. They grow slowly and are usually contained within a specific area. While they can cause problems due to their size or location, they rarely spread to other parts of the body.
* Malignant Tumors: These are cancerous tumors. They invade surrounding tissues, can spread to distant parts of the body (metastasis), and can be life-threatening.
It's important to note that not all tumors are cancerous. However, uncontrolled cell division is a hallmark of cancer, and understanding this process is crucial for developing cancer treatments and prevention strategies.