Neoplasm definition in medical literature
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Neoplasm Definition in Medical Literature
Neoplasm: Abnormal Tissue Growth and Neoplasia
In medical literature, a neoplasm is defined as an abnormal mass of tissue that arises due to neoplasia, which is the uncontrolled and abnormal proliferation of cells. This growth is excessive and uncoordinated compared to the surrounding normal tissues, and it continues even after the initial stimulus that triggered the growth has stopped 123810. Neoplasms are commonly referred to as tumors, and they can develop in almost any part of the body 49.
Key Characteristics of Neoplasms
Neoplastic growth is distinct because it is relatively autonomous, meaning it is mostly independent of the normal regulatory mechanisms that control cell growth and tissue regeneration. The abnormal cells in a neoplasm can pass their characteristics to subsequent generations, making the change heritable 238. Unlike normal cells, neoplastic cells can replicate without the need for external growth signals .
Classification: Benign, Pre-malignant, and Malignant
Neoplasms are classified based on their behavior and potential to spread. They may be:
- Benign: Non-cancerous, localized, and do not invade other tissues.
- Pre-malignant (Carcinoma in situ): Have the potential to become cancerous.
- Malignant (Cancer): Cancerous, can invade nearby tissues, and may spread (metastasize) to distant parts of the body 14810.
Underlying Causes and Mechanisms
The development of neoplasms is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Most neoplastic transformations involve somatic mutations in cellular DNA, often triggered by environmental exposures. This process is progressive and involves multiple steps, making neoplasia essentially a genetic disease at the cellular level, even though environmental factors play a major role 25.
Challenges in Defining Neoplasm
Despite widespread agreement on the features of neoplasia, providing a concise and universally accepted definition remains challenging. Definitions tend to focus on the abnormal characteristics of cell growth rather than the underlying causes, and there is ongoing debate about the best way to describe the full complexity of neoplastic diseases 3678.
Conclusion
In summary, a neoplasm is an abnormal, excessive, and uncoordinated growth of tissue that persists even after the initial cause is removed. It is a heritable change at the cellular level, often resulting from genetic mutations influenced by environmental factors. Neoplasms can be benign, pre-malignant, or malignant, and their definition continues to evolve as our understanding of their biology deepens 12345678+2 MORE.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic