Neoplasm

A neoplasm is an abnormal growth of cells in your body. Normally, your body carefully controls how cells grow, divide, and die. In a neoplasm, this normal control is disrupted, causing cells to multiply excessively and form a lump or mass. The word “neoplasm” literally means “new growth.”

Does neoplasm mean cancer?

Not necessarily. While a neoplasm can be cancerous, it doesn’t always mean cancer.

Neoplasms are divided into two main categories:

• Benign neoplasms: These are non-cancerous growths that typically grow slowly, stay in one place, and don’t spread to other parts of the body.

• Malignant neoplasms: These are cancerous growths that can grow quickly, invade surrounding tissues, and potentially spread to other areas of the body.

Can a neoplasm be benign?

Yes. Many neoplasms are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. Benign neoplasms usually don’t pose serious health risks unless they grow very large, press on vital organs, or cause uncomfortable symptoms. Examples of benign neoplasms include moles on the skin, lipomas (fatty growths), uterine leiomyomas (fibroids), and certain types of polyps.

What causes a neoplasm?

The cause of a neoplasm depends on its type and location in the body. Many factors can lead to neoplasms, including genetic changes (such as mutations), environmental exposures (such as chemicals or radiation), infections (such as certain viruses), chronic inflammation, or hormonal imbalances. For instance:

• Skin neoplasms, such as basal cell carcinoma, are often related to sun exposure.

• Cervical neoplasms (such as cervical cancer) are typically caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV).

• Lung neoplasms can result from tobacco smoke, exposure to chemicals, or pollution.

In many cases, the exact cause of a neoplasm might remain unclear or unknown.

Do neoplasm and tumor mean the same thing?

Yes. Doctors often use the terms “neoplasm” and “tumor” interchangeably. Both describe an abnormal growth or mass of cells. However, “tumor” is used more commonly, especially when speaking with patients, whereas “neoplasm” is often used in medical or pathology reports.

What are the most common types of neoplasms?

Common examples of benign neoplasms include:

• Lipomas (fatty growths under the skin).

• Uterine leiomyomas (fibroids).

• Skin moles (nevi).

• Adenomas (benign glandular growths), such as colon polyps or thyroid nodules.

Common malignant (cancerous) neoplasms include:

• Carcinomas (cancers that start in skin or mucosal surfaces), such as breast, lung, prostate, colon, and skin cancers.

• Sarcomas (cancers that start from connective tissues like bone or muscle).

• Lymphomas and leukemias (cancers that start from immune or blood-forming cells).

Knowing the specific type of neoplasm helps doctors plan the most appropriate treatment and management strategies.