October 17, 2023

Tumour necrosis refers to the death of cells within a tumour. This process can occur in any type of cancer and is characterized by areas of dead cells that are no longer viable. These necrotic areas are often visible under a microscope when tissue samples are examined.

What causes tumour necrosis?

There are several factors that can lead to tumour necrosis:

• Insufficient blood supply: As a tumour grows, it can outstrip its blood supply, leading to areas where cells do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients. This lack of blood flow (ischemia) causes cell death.
• Rapid growth: Tumours that grow very quickly may develop necrosis because their growth outpaces the surrounding tissue’s ability to provide an adequate blood supply.
• Treatment effects: Radiation therapy and chemotherapy can cause necrosis by directly killing cancer cells or damaging the blood vessels that supply the tumour.
• Immune response: The body’s immune response to cancer can sometimes lead to necrosis as immune cells attack and destroy tumour cells.

Why is tumour necrosis important?

• Prognostic indicator: The presence and extent of tumour necrosis can be a marker of aggressive disease. Tumours with significant necrosis often have a poorer prognosis compared to those without necrosis.
• Treatment response: Pathologists look for tumour necrosis to assess response to prior treatment, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Greater tumour necrosis is associated with better outcomes.

About this article

Doctors wrote this article to help you read and understand your pathology report. Contact us if you have questions about this article or your pathology report.

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