THE neoplasm can be defined as a tumor that arises due to abnormal increase in cell number, that is, it is characterized as abnormal tissue proliferation. The term tumor refers to an increase in the volume of a part of the body, however, it is commonly used as a synonym for neoplasia. Neoplasms can be considered benign or evil using as a criterion their biological behavior.
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Types of neoplasm
Neoplasms can be classified as benign and malignant. At neoplasmsbenign, also called tumorsbenign, they have clear boundaries, are slow growing, do not invade adjacent tissues and are not capable of causing metastases. At neoplasmsevil, also called malignant tumors or cancer, they have poorly defined limits, grow quickly and are capable of invading tissues and causing metastasis.
Main characteristics of neoplasms | |
benign neoplasm |
malignant neoplasm |
Has well-defined limits |
Has poorly defined limits |
slow growth |
Rapid growth |
Unable to invade other tissues |
Able to invade other tissues |
Does not cause metastases |
May cause metastasis |
When we talk about metastasis, we refer to a situation in which the tumor spreads beyond the place where it originated, that is, to other parts of the body. As said, only the tumorsevil are capable of causing metastasis.
At neoplasmsbenign, usually, not seriously life-threatening, however, can become complicated when they increase in large amounts, leading to compression of nearby organs and tissues. At neoplasmsevil, in turn, are shapes moreserious, may be from difficulttreatment, especially when discovered late.
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Examples of benign neoplasms
As an example of benign neoplasms we can mention:
Chondroma: benign tumor originating from the cartilage.
Lipoma: benign tumor that originates from the adipose tissue.
Fibroids: benign tumor originating in the muscle tissue.
Examples of malignant neoplasms
As an example of malignant neoplasms we can mention:
Colorectal cancer
bladder cancer
mouth cancer
Stomach cancer
liver cancer
laryngeal cancer
Breast cancer
Ovary cancer
pancreatic cancer
Skin cancer
penile cancer
Prostate cancer
Lung cancer
cervical cancer
Leukemia
Lymphoma
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Malignant neoplasms or cancer
At neoplasmsevil, better known as cancer, arise due to changes in cell DNA that alter its normal functioning. The development of cancer is called carcinogenesis or oncogenesis.
There are a number of agents that are considered carcinogens, that is, agents that can cause or stimulate the development of cancer. O tobacco, for example, it has a number of carcinogens and is responsible for the development of cancer in many people.
It is estimated that more than 90% of lung cancer cases are consequences of chronic tobacco use. It is noteworthy, however, that carcinogens alone are not always capable of triggering the development of neoplasia.
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Can neoplasms be cured?
Neoplasms can be cured. Benign neoplasms, for example, are usually not life-threatening, however, some can grow in an exaggerated way and compromise the functioning of other structures. Benign tumors can usually be removed and do not reappear.
Malignant neoplasms, in turn, can be more severe and require more complex treatments. in addition to surgeries for the removal of the tumor, we can mention as cancer treatments:
Chemotherapy: it is based on the use of certain drugs that will destroy the cells that form the tumor. Chemotherapy can be administered orally, intravenously, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intrathecally and topically.
Radiotherapy: consists of the treatment of cancer using ionizing radiation. The treatment is aimed at destroying the cells that cause the tumor or preventing it from enlarging. Radiotherapy can be done in two ways: external radiotherapy or brachytherapy. In external radiotherapy, the device that emits the radiation is away from the patient and directed to the area to be treated. In brachytherapy, applicators are placed on the patient and radiation is emitted from the device to the applicators.
Bone marrow transplant: it is a treatment given when the patient has diseases that affect blood cells, such as leukemia. In this treatment, the patient will receive normal cells from the bone marrow. The transplant can be autogenic, when the marrow comes from the patient, or allogeneic, when the marrow comes from a donor.
It is worth noting that many malignant neoplasms have a complete cure, and treatment success is often related to stage at which the disease was diagnosed. Many types of cancer, if discovered early, have high cure rates.
By Ma. Vanessa dos Santos
