Although molecular analyses of peritumoral tissues are providing evidence for breast field effects (the presence of larger areas of molecular alteration surrounding histologically confirmed breast cancer foci), epidemiological data inter-relating breast cancer risk factors, breast cancer subtypes and characteristics of benign tissues surrounding cancers are limited.
Bladder cancer (or urothelial cell carcinoma [UCC]) is characterized by field disease (malignant alterations in surrounding mucosa) and frequent recurrences.
Conclusion: Defining the vaginal apex and designing lateral vaginal flaps facilitate the precise creation of an anatomically and functionally appropriate vagina, with reasonable morbidity, good symptomatic relief, and mild alteration of surrounding organ function.
Finally, degenerative scoliosis is found in aging adults and can be caused by changes in vertebral body structure due to fracture, as well as alterations in surrounding musculature and ligaments [4].
These lesions often occur in multiples and are generally associated with alteration of surrounding skin (field) in a phenomenon known as "field cancerization".
The CXCL12 CXCR4 signalling axis has also been implicated in desmoplastic alterations of surrounding stroma favoring tumour cell growth (Marlow et al, 2008).
In this context, we could hypothesize that molecular alterations precede morphological changes in the exposed urinary bladder epithelium, since patients with bladder neoplasia frequently show genetic instability on apparently normal mucosa besides alterations of surrounding tissue [ 72].
Epigenetic alteration is the alteration of epigenomes (surrounding histone proteins) without changing the DNA sequence.
Early hypotheses on possible causes for the decline in beta cell function with age considered theories surrounding alterations in glucose oxidation as well as alterations in potassium efflux and levels of calcium ions.
Panels A-C each showed single band to multiple band change from surrounding normal tissue to tumor tissue indicating a homoplasmy to heteroplasmy alteration, while panel D showed an alteration from a heteroplasmy to homoplasmy.
