Oncogenesis

Abstract

Oncogenesis or cancer formation is the expression of impaired cellular events in the favor of uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation. This occurs basically by disruptions in harmonious control effects of the growth-inducing, growth-inhibiting, apoptosis-regulating, and DNArepairing mechanisms. A simplified understanding of these mechanisms is given in this chapter. In the first part of the chapter, regarding the concepts of susceptibility to and formation of cancers, the basic knowledge of cellular genetic content and events is reviewed. In the second part, molecular basis of oncogenesis is explained regarding the eight hallmarks of cancers. For better understanding, well-described examples of mechanisms responsible in musculoskeletal system tumors are given through the text. Certainly, cellular and molecular aspects of oncogenesis will continue to be the primary field of future investigations to reach better understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prediction of prognosis of cancers.