R4.5j: Tumour Promoting Inflammation

Certain autoimmune conditions, such as ulcerative colitis or Sjogren's syndrome, promote the development of malignancy in the afflicted organ. This is due to the carcinogenic effects of inflammation on the target organ.

Malignant tumours are frequently infiltrated by cells of the immune system. It is thought that the inflammation caused by this infiltration, rather than helping to overcome the tumour, may in fact help to promote further mutation within the malignancy. Cytokines released by inflammatory cells may also contribute to tumour proliferation.


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