Abstract Cancer is most commonly described as a molecular and genetic disorder driven by mutations that alter cell proliferation and survival. However, malignant transformation also represents an anatomical phenomenon characterized by progressive disruption of normal tissue architecture at cellular, histological, and organ levels. This brief review examines cancer from an anatomical perspective, emphasizing alterations in tissue organization, cellular morphology, stromal composition, vascular structure as well as anatomical pathways of invasion and metastasis. Viewing cancer as an anatomical disease highlights the enduring relevance of anatomical sciences in cancer research and clinical practice.
Tsatsou et al. (Sun,) studied this question.