differentiation

Description

The normal process by which immature (unspecialized) cells develop individual characteristics to become mature (specialized) cells.

Differentiation is used to describe the extent to which cancerous cells resemble normal cells. Differentiated cancer cells look and act like normal cells; they tend to grow and spread slowly. Undifferentiated cancer cells do not look or act like normal cells; they tend to grow and spread quickly.

Medical disclaimer

The information that the Canadian Cancer Society provides does not replace your relationship with your doctor. The information is for your general use, so be sure to talk to a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your health.

We do our best to make sure that the information we provide is accurate and reliable but cannot guarantee that it is error-free or complete.

The Canadian Cancer Society is not responsible for the quality of the information or services provided by other organizations and mentioned on cancer.ca, nor do we endorse any service, product, treatment or therapy.


1-888-939-3333 | cancer.ca | © 2024 Canadian Cancer Society