The genetic damage which can result in cells not dying at their appointed time and building up into tumors may be caused in some cases by a minuscule explosion in a single cell, which spreads fragments of DNA over a significant distance, according to research in the medical journal Cell.
Sarcomas, or bone cancers, may be associated particularly heavily with these tiny explosions – for which the researchers coined the term chromothripsis. The study asserted up to a quarter of sarcomas may be associated with these DNA blasts, along with 2 to 3 percent of all cancers.
DNA fragments, when the body tries to piece them back together again, can form harmful combinations when reconstructed incorrectly. While this may not matter sometimes, the process occasionally causes cells to become cancerous.
Worse, the researchers say, this mix-and-match re-assembly of genetic fragments could create cancer cells which spread more aggressively than before.
Experts say it’s important to avoid lifestyle factors that can increase the risk of genetic damage and potential cancers, like tobacco and tanning beds.
