Tumour

October 18, 2023

In pathology, the term “tumour” refers to an abnormal growth of cells in the body. These cells multiply uncontrollably, forming a mass or lump. Tumours can develop in any part of the body.

How are tumours categorized?

Tumours are categorized based on their nature and behaviour. They can be either benign or malignant.

• Benign tumours are non-cancerous. They grow slowly and do not spread to other parts of the body. Although they can sometimes cause problems by pressing on nearby organs or tissues, they are generally not life-threatening and can often be removed through surgery.
• Malignant tumours are cancerous. They can grow rapidly, invade nearby tissues, and spread to other body parts through the blood or lymphatic system. This spreading process is called metastasis, and malignant tumours can be life-threatening if not treated properly.

Does tumour mean cancer?

The word “tumour” does not always mean cancer. While all malignant tumours are cancers, benign tumours are not. Therefore, it is important to understand whether a tumour is benign or malignant to determine the appropriate treatment and prognosis.

How do pathologists determine if a tumour is benign or malignant?

Pathologists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing diseases by examining tissues and cells under a microscope. To determine if a tumour is benign or malignant, they look at several characteristics:

• Cell appearance: Malignant cells often look abnormal and disorganized compared to the normal cells of the tissue. They may have irregular shapes, sizes, and structures. Terms used to describe these cells include atypical and pleomorphic.
• Growth patterns: Malignant tumours tend to invade and destroy surrounding tissues, while benign tumours grow in a more organized manner and stay confined to their original location. Specifically, perineural invasion and lymphovascular invasion are typically only seen in malignant tumours.
• Cell division: Malignant cells often divide more rapidly and uncontrollably than benign cells. These dividing cells are called mitotic figures, and they divide by a process called mitosis.
• Presence of metastasis: If tumour cells are found in other parts of the body, it indicates that the tumour is malignant.

Pathologists use tissue samples obtained from biopsies or resections to make these determinations.

What does it mean if a tumour is described as having uncertain malignant potential?

If a tumour is described as having uncertain malignant potential, it means that it is not clear whether the tumour is benign or malignant based on the available information. These tumours have characteristics that make it difficult to categorize them definitively. Further monitoring, additional tests, or more extensive tissue sampling may be needed to determine the exact nature of the tumour. This category helps ensure that patients receive appropriate follow-up care and monitoring to detect any changes in the tumour’s behaviour over time.

About this article

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

Related articles on MyPathologyReport

Neoplasm

Malignant

Benign

Other helpful resources

Atlas of Pathology