somatic mutation theory of cancer

so·mat·ic mu·ta·tion the·o·ry of can·cer

that cancer is caused by a mutation or mutations in the body cells (as opposed to germ cells), especially nonlethal mutations associated with increased proliferation of the mutant cells.

so·mat·ic mu·ta·tion the·o·ry of can·cer

(sō-mat'ik myū-tā'shŭn thē'ŏr-ē kan'sĕr)

The proposition that cancer is caused by a mutation or mutations in the body cells (as opposed to germ cells), especially nonlethal mutations associated with increased proliferation of the mutant cells.