Carcinogenesis typically occurs in three stages: Initiation, Promotion, and Progression. During the initiation stage, genetic mutations occur due to exposure to carcinogens. These mutations can affect oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and DNA repair genes. The promotion stage involves the clonal expansion of these mutated cells, often driven by growth factors and inflammatory signals. Finally, the progression stage is characterized by increased genetic instability, leading to the acquisition of additional mutations that enable the cancer cells to invade tissues and metastasize.
