Neoplasm meaning
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Summary
9 papers analyzed
These studies suggest that neoplasms are abnormal masses of tissue characterized by excessive, relatively autonomous growth, often involving genetic and epigenetic factors, and can be benign or malignant.
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Understanding Neoplasm: Definition and Characteristics
Neoplasm Definition and Characteristics
A neoplasm, commonly referred to as a tumor, is an abnormal mass of tissue that arises due to excessive and uncoordinated cell proliferation. This growth persists even after the initial stimuli that triggered the change have ceased. Neoplasms can be broadly categorized into benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) types . Benign tumors typically grow slowly and do not spread to other tissues, whereas malignant tumors can grow rapidly and have the potential to metastasize, or spread, to other parts of the body.
Neoplastic Transformation and Cell Differentiation
Neoplasia is fundamentally a disease of cell differentiation, where normal biological processes become pathologically manifested. The transformation of normal cells into neoplastic cells involves a complex interplay of genetic and epigenetic factors, leading to the formation of both monoclonal and polyclonal metastases. This transformation is often driven by long-lived cancer stem cells and differentiated cells that acquire the ability to self-renew.
Genetic and Environmental Influences
The development of neoplasms is influenced by both inherited genetic factors and environmental exposures. Epidemiological evidence suggests that a significant proportion (75-90%) of human neoplasia is attributable to environmental factors, particularly in tissues that are directly exposed to the environment, such as the skin, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract. Neoplastic transformation is a progressive process involving multiple steps and somatic mutations in cellular DNA.
Challenges in Defining Neoplasms
Despite extensive research, providing a precise and universally accepted definition of a neoplasm remains challenging. Existing definitions often focus on the abnormal characteristics of neoplastic cells rather than the underlying causal mechanisms . Definitions by pathologists like Rupert A. Willis and James Ewing emphasize the autonomous and excessive growth of neoplastic tissue, highlighting the heritable nature of neoplastic changes and the relative independence of neoplastic cell proliferation from normal regulatory controls.
Neoplasms and Immune System Interactions
Neoplasms can also impact the immune system, leading to secondary disorders. For instance, the presence of cancer cells can cause immune system dysfunction, and conversely, a temporary decrease in immunity (e.g., due to influenza) can reveal an underlying neoplastic disease. Exosomes play a crucial role in metastasis by transferring information between normal and cancer cells, facilitating the movement of myeloid cells to pre-metastatic niches.
Conclusion
In summary, neoplasms are abnormal tissue masses characterized by unregulated and excessive cell growth. They can be benign or malignant, with the latter posing significant health risks due to their potential to spread. The development of neoplasms is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and their precise definition remains complex due to the intricate nature of neoplastic transformation. Understanding these aspects is crucial for advancing the diagnosis, treatment, and management of neoplastic diseases.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
1
Neoplasia: a disease of cell differentiation.
1
258 Citations
1968
5
Neoplastic Disease in Eyes
5
0 Citations
2020