Journal of Neoplasm

Description

In summary, Chloride Intracellular Channel 2 (CLIC2) plays a crucial role in mitigating benign tumor invasion and metastasis, partly by inhibiting MMP 14 activity. This finding provides valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of tumor progression and highlights CLIC2 as a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment. The primary distinction between malignant and benign tumors lies in their ability to invade surrounding tissues and spread to distant organs. However, the mechanisms through which benign tumors prevent invasion and metastasis remain unclear. To shed light on this, we conducted a comparative analysis of gene expression in primary tumors and metastasized tumors using our rat distant metastasis model.

Among the various gene expressions examined, Chloride Intracellular Channel Protein 2 (CLIC2) emerged as a focus of our investigation. CLIC2, an ion channel protein with an unknown function, exhibited predominant expression in primary tumors. Our study involved benign human meningioma cells naturally expressing high levels of CLIC2, as well as a rat glioma cell line engineered to overexpress CLIC2. Contrary to malignant tumors, benign human brain tumors displayed elevated levels of CLIC2 expression. Moreover, heightened CLIC2 expression correlated with prolonged survival in rodent metastasis and brain cancer models, as well as improved progression-free survival in patients with brain tumors. Furthermore, increased CLIC2 expression was associated with reduced blood vessel permeability, likely due to enhanced cell adhesion molecule activity.

Benign tumors

Benign tumors rarely progress to malignancy, though certain types, like adenomatous polyps or colon adenomas, carry a higher risk of cancer development. Colonoscopies entail the removal of polyps as a preventive measure against cancer. Your doctor may recommend either observation or removal based on the type of benign tumor, considering factors like potential impact on vital organs. Biopsy, a procedure to extract tissue samples, aids in determining tumor nature whether benign or cancerous. Pathologists analyze these samples microscopically to ascertain their composition. Some benign tumors can pose risks to your health.

As they grow, they can exert pressure on surrounding tissues, leading to compression. This pressure can cause various issues such as nerve damage, reduced blood flow (ischemia), tissue death (necrosis) and even organ damage. When benign tumors are confined within enclosed spaces like the cranium, respiratory tract, sinus, or bones, their impact on health can be more pronounced. For example, benign brain tumors can be lifethreatening, unlike many other benign tumors found elsewhere in the body. Furthermore, cancers can sometimes mimic normal cell behavior at their inception. Endocrine tumors, such as adrenocortical adenomas and thyroid adenomas, may excessively produce certain hormones, leading to further complications.

Accurate diagnosis

There are many benign tumors that can develop and depending on where they are located and their tissue composition, they may not present any symptoms or they could lead to specific symptoms. As they grow, they can form large, rounded masses that exert pressure, potentially causing what is known as a "mass effect." This growth has the potential to compress neighboring organs or tissues, leading to various effects such as duct obstruction, reduced blood flow (ischemia), tissue death (necrosis) and nerve pain or damage. Some tumors produce hormones that can trigger dangerous conditions. For instance, excessive insulin production in insulinomas can lead to hypoglycemia. Conditions like Prolactin, Cushing’s disease caused by ACTH and cortisol, TSH resulting in an overactive thyroid, as well as LH and FSH, can all be attributed to hormoneproducing tumors.

Numerous benign tumors in the colon can cause bowel intussusception. Additionally tumors, especially those affecting the skin, may have cosmetic implications, potentially causing psychological or social discomfort for the individual with the tumor. Tumors within the vascular system also pose risks, as they can bleed, occasionally leading to anemia. Histological examination revealed well-circumscribed tumors enveloped by a thick collagenous fibrous capsule, housing uniform-sized fusiform cells within a myxoid matrix. These cells exhibited eosinophilic cytoplasm and nuclei that were either round or oval. Additionally, a mature bone shell, albeit incomplete, with a lamellar structure was observed at the periphery.