Neoplasmen

Neoplasmen, or neoplasms, are abnormal tissue growths arising from cells that proliferate in an uncontrolled manner. They may be benign, with limited growth and no invasion of surrounding tissue, or malignant, capable of local invasion and, in many cases, distant spread. Not all neoplasms are cancer, but malignant neoplasms constitute the primary category of cancer.

Neoplasms are typically classified by tissue origin. Epithelial neoplasms, or carcinomas, arise from lining or glandular tissues; mesenchymal neoplasms, or sarcomas, originate from connective tissue; hematologic neoplasms include leukemias and lymphomas. Benign variants include lipomas, fibromas, adenomas, and hemangiomas. Grading assesses differentiation, while staging describes tumor size and spread, both guiding management.

Most neoplasms arise from accumulated genetic or epigenetic alterations that promote growth and survival. Cancer cells often exhibit hallmarks such as sustained proliferative signaling, evasion of growth suppressors, resistance to cell death, replicative immortality, induction of angiogenesis, and capacity to invade tissues and metastasize. The tumor microenvironment and inflammation can support progression.

Diagnosis relies on clinical assessment, imaging, and histopathologic examination of tissue obtained by biopsy or surgical resection. Grading reflects how much tumor tissue resembles normal tissue, while staging indicates extent of spread. Modern practice increasingly uses molecular testing to identify driver mutations and therapeutic targets.

Treatment is tailored to neoplasm type and stage and may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or immunotherapy. Benign neoplasms are typically managed by removal and observation, whereas malignant neoplasms require multidisciplinary oncologic care. Prognosis varies widely by histology, location, stage at diagnosis, and response to treatment.