How long do cancer cells surive outside of the body?

In summary, the conversation discusses the potential danger of accidentally puncturing one's finger with a scalpel that was used to cut a tumor removed from a recently deceased mouse. The person inquiring is concerned about the survival of cells on the scalpel and whether there is any risk involved. The respondent advises seeking help from a lab manager or someone in charge of health and safety in case of lab accidents.
  • #1
Biology87
1
0
Hi,
when a tumor is removed from a mouse that has been killed just minutes earlier, and then this tumor is cut using a scalpel, how long do cells sticking to this scalpel survive? I am asking because I just cut a tumor, then left the scalpel on the table for 10-15 minutes, and then when cleaning up all the material and washing everything, I accidentally punctured my finger a tiny bit. Is there any danger associated with this? Than you very much for help!
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
You should not be posting on a forum in case of lab accidents, instead you should contact your lab manager or directly someone who is in charge of health and safety.
 

1. How long can cancer cells survive outside of the body?

Cancer cells can survive for a variable amount of time outside of the body, depending on various factors such as the type of cancer, the environment, and the presence of nutrients. In general, cancer cells can survive for a few hours to a few days outside of the body.

2. Can cancer cells be transmitted from person to person through contact with objects?

No, cancer cells cannot be transmitted from person to person through contact with objects. Cancer cells require a specific environment and nutrients to survive, and they cannot survive for long outside of the body.

3. How does the survival time of cancer cells outside of the body affect their ability to cause cancer?

The survival time of cancer cells outside of the body has no significant impact on their ability to cause cancer. For cancer to develop in a new host, the cancer cells must be able to invade and multiply in the body, which is not affected by their survival time outside of the body.

4. Can cancer cells survive in extreme temperatures?

Some cancer cells may have the ability to survive in extreme temperatures, but this is not true for all types of cancer. In general, cancer cells cannot survive in temperatures outside of the human body's normal range (around 98.6°F or 37°C).

5. How do cancer cells behave outside of the body compared to inside the body?

Outside of the body, cancer cells do not have the necessary resources and support to grow and multiply as they do inside the body. They may also be more vulnerable to environmental factors and unable to form tumors or spread to other parts of the body. However, some cancer cells may adapt and survive for a short period outside of the body.

Similar threads

  • General Discussion
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • General Discussion
Replies
1
Views
8K
  • General Discussion
2
Replies
53
Views
9K
  • General Discussion
2
Replies
43
Views
6K
  • General Discussion
3
Replies
78
Views
9K
  • General Discussion
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • General Discussion
Replies
33
Views
5K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
27
Views
4K
Back
Top