Kasvaja

Kasvaja is the Estonian word for a growth or tumor. In medical contexts it denotes an abnormal mass of tissue that results from uncontrolled cell growth. The term covers both benign and malignant neoplasms and is widely used in clinical, radiological, and histopathological discussions.

Etymology and usage: Kasvaja is formed from the verb kasvama, meaning to grow, with the agent noun suffix -ja, literally "that which grows." In formal medical language it refers to any abnormal tissue growth, but in everyday language it can describe a lump or swelling that may or may not be neoplastic.

Medical classification: Growths described as kasvajas are usually distinguished by their origin and behavior. Benign kasvajae include many non-cancerous lesions such as lipomas or adenomas, which do not invade surrounding tissues. Malignant kasvajae, or cancers, include carcinomas and sarcomas, which have the potential to spread. Diagnosis often relies on imaging and histopathology, while treatment varies with type, location, and stage.

Diagnosis and treatment: Evaluation typically involves imaging studies and biopsy to determine whether a kasva is benign or malignant. Management may include surgical removal, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies, depending on the specific diagnosis and patient factors. Prognosis varies widely between benign growths and malignant tumors, and between tumor types.

Other uses: The term is also used in veterinary medicine to describe tumors in animals. See also neoplasm, tumor, oncology.