What is the process called when cancer cells proliferate uncontrollably?

The process whereby cancer cells proliferate uncontrollably is known as neoplasia. Neoplasia refers to the abnormal and excessive growth of cells, which can lead to the formation of tumors. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), but in the context of cancer, neoplasia specifically describes the uncontrolled cell division and growth characteristic of cancer.

In this process, the regulatory mechanisms that normally control cell growth and division are disrupted, leading to an accumulation of cells that can invade surrounding tissues and potentially spread to other parts of the body. This uncontrolled proliferation is a defining feature of cancer and differentiates it from other conditions that may involve cell growth.

In contrast, apoptosis is the programmed cell death that occurs to remove damaged or unwanted cells, while metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from the original tumor to distant organs or tissues. Hyperplasia refers to an increase in the number of normal cells in a tissue or organ, leading to an increase in size, but it does not imply the uncontrolled and abnormal characteristics associated with cancer cell proliferation.