neoplasmi

Neoplasmi, or neoplasms, are new and abnormal growths of tissue that arise from uncontrolled cell proliferation. The term comes from Greek roots meaning new formation. Neoplasms can be benign, malignant, or premalignant, and they may occur in virtually any tissue or organ.

Benign neoplasms are typically well circumscribed, non-invasive, and grow slowly. They often resemble the tissue of origin and rarely metastasize. Examples include lipomas, fibromas, adenomas, and leiomyomas. Malignant neoplasms invade adjacent structures, can disrupt normal function, and have the potential to metastasize to distant sites through lymphatic or vascular routes. Malignant tumors include carcinomas, sarcomas, leukemias, lymphomas, and gliomas.

Premalignant lesions show cellular abnormalities that increase cancer risk but are not yet invasive, such as dysplasia or carcinoma in situ. If untreated or progressed, these lesions may develop into invasive cancer.

Pathogenesis involves genetic and epigenetic changes, including mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, chromosomal rearrangements, and alterations in signaling pathways that control cell growth, apoptosis, and differentiation. The tumor microenvironment, angiogenesis, and immune interactions influence growth and spread.

Diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation, imaging, and tissue sampling with histopathology; molecular and genetic testing can aid classification and guide therapy. Treatment varies by type and stage, ranging from surgical excision for localized benign lesions to multimodal approaches (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy) for malignant neoplasms.

Prognosis depends on tumor type, stage at diagnosis, location, and biology. Early detection generally improves outcomes.