Final answer:
Uncontrolled cell growth caused by genetic mutations can lead to the formation of tumors and is often the underlying cause of cancer. This process disrupts normal cell cycle regulation, potentially resulting in malignant tumors that may invade surrounding tissues and metastasize.
Step-by-step explanation:
Uncontrolled cell growth is a process that can lead to the formation of cancer. This occurs when the normal regulatory mechanisms of cell division are disrupted, allowing cells to proliferate without the usual controls.
The primary cause of uncontrolled cell growth often involves genetic mutations that affect key proteins and pathways responsible for cell cycle regulation. These mutations can be triggered by various factors, including environmental carcinogens, radiation, inherited genetic predispositions, and random errors during cell division.
When cells grow uncontrollably, they can form masses called tumors. Benign tumors are localized and do not invade other tissues, whereas malignant tumors can invade surrounding tissues and spread to distant organs, a process known as metastasis. Malignant tumors are the ones associated with cancer.