Tumors associated with breast cancer usually arise from either epithelial cells or fibroblasts. Because optimal treatment differs depending on the cellular origin of the tumor, it’s important for doctors to determine which cell type is present in a tumor. Unfortunately, the distinctive morphology of epithelial cells is lost when they become cancerous, so this determination cannot be made based on cell shape alone. How might determination of the class(es) of intermediate filaments present in tumor cells aid a doctor in figuring out which cell type is involved in the tumor?

Tumors associated with breast cancer usually arise from either epithelial cells or fibroblasts. Because optimal treatment differs depending on the cellular origin of the tumor, it’s important for doctors to determine which cell type is present in a tumor. Unfortunately, the distinctive morphology of epithelial cells is lost when they become cancerous, so this determination cannot be made based on cell shape alone. How might determination of the class(es) of intermediate filaments present in tumor cells aid a doctor in figuring out which cell type is involved in the tumor?

Human Biology (MindTap Course List)

11th Edition

ISBN:9781305112100

Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan

Publisher:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan

Chapter22: Genes And Disease: Cancer

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1RQ

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