A gene that is a mutated (changed) form of a gene involved in normal cell growth. Oncogenes may cause the growth of cancer cells. Mutations in genes that become oncogenes can be inherited or caused by being exposed to substances in the environment that cause cancer.
( ON-koh-jeen )
Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
Search the Glossary of Medical Terms
Newsletter
Sign up for the QuackTrack.org newsletter below!