Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Molecular Oncology

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Molecular Oncology 1. Mutation vs. Polymorphism Mutation and polymorphism are two terms frequently encountered in molecular oncology. A mutation refers to a permanent alteration in the DNA sequence, often associated with disease. On the other hand, a polymorphism is a variation in the DNA sequence that is common in the population and usually not linked to disease. So, while both involve changes in DNA, their implications are distinct. 2. Oncogene vs. Tumor Suppressor Gene Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are crucial players in cancer development. An oncogene, when activated or mutated, promotes cell growth and division excessively, leading to cancer. Conversely, a tumor suppressor gene acts as a control switch, inhibiting cell division or promoting cell death. Both are essential, but their roles are opposite. 3. Benign vs. Malignant When we talk about tumors, we often encounter the terms benign and malignant. A benign tumor is non-cancerous, meaning it does not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. On the other hand, a malignant tumor is cancerous, with the potential to invade and spread. It's crucial to differentiate between the two for proper diagnosis and treatment.