Disease Insights: neoplasm
Welcome to the ultimate guide on neoplasm. Here, you'll find answers to the most common questions to help you or your loved ones understand and manage this condition better.
Description for neoplasm
An abnormal growth of tissue, which can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Symptoms of neoplasm
bleeding or bruising, fatigue, pain, skin changes, unexplained weight loss
Precautions for neoplasm
Follow a treatment plan as prescribe, Monitor for changes in symptoms, Maintain good nutrition, Stay hydrated
Questions Covered:
- what is neoplasm?
- causes of neoplasm?
- What are the usual symptoms of neoplasm?
- How do doctors usually figure out if someone has neoplasm, diagnosis?
Answers:
Question: what is neoplasm?
A neoplasm is an abnormal growth of cells, also known as a tumor. Neoplastic diseases are conditions that cause tumor growth. Growth can be either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Benign tumors usually grow slowly and can't spread to other tissues. Conversely, malignant tumors can grow at a slow pace, but they can also grow very fast depending on the exact tumor type. Malignant tumors carry the risk of metastasis or spreading to multiple tissues and organs.
In this article, we go over the causes of neoplastic disease, along with the disease's symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Question: causes of neoplasm?
The exact causes of tumor growth are still being researched. In general, cancerous tumor growth is triggered by DNA mutations within your cells.
Your DNA contains genes that tell cells how to operate, grow, and divide. Your cells can't function normally when the DNA changes. This change is what causes cells to become cancerous.
There are a number of contributing factors that can cause your genes to mutate and result in benign or malignant tumor growth. Common factors include:
genetics
age
hormones
smoking
drinking
obesity
sun overexposure
immune disorders
viruses
overexposure to radiation
chemical toxins
Question: What are the usual symptoms of neoplasm?
Symptoms of neoplastic disease vary depending on where the neoplasm is located. However, there are a few symptoms that are common across types.
Common symptoms of neoplastic disease include:
anemia
shortness of breath
abdominal pain
persistent fatigue
loss of appetite
chills
diarrhea
fever
bloody stools
lesions
skin masses
In some cases, neoplastic diseases show no symptoms.
Breast neoplasm symptoms
The most common symptom of breast cancer is a mass or lump. However, not all lumps and masses are cancerous. It's best to visit a doctor right away if you find a lump. They'll be able to run tests and confirm or rule out a cancer diagnosis.
If your breast neoplasm is cancerous, you may experience symptoms such as:
tenderness
pain
swelling
redness or irritation
change in breast shape
discharge
Lymph node neoplasm symptoms
A tumor in your lymph nodes or tissues can cause a noticeable swelling or mass in the affected area. A cancerous neoplasm in your lymph tissues is referred to as lymphoma.
Other symptoms of lymphoma include:
increased swelling in your neck, armpits, or groin
weight loss
fever
fatigue
night sweats
Skin neoplasm symptoms
Neoplasms can also affect your skin and may result in skin cancer. Some of the most common symptoms associated with this form of cancer include:
lesions
open sores
itchy or painful rashes
bumps
a mole that may bleed
Question: How do doctors usually figure out if someone has neoplasm, diagnosis?
Diagnosis includes both confirming the neoplastic disease and determining whether the neoplasms are benign or malignant.
Doctors will conduct a thorough examination that will include a review of your medical history, blood tests, and possibly a biopsy of visible masses.
Other tests used to diagnose neoplastic diseases and cancers include:
CT scans
MRI scans
PET scans
mammograms
ultrasounds
X-rays
endoscopy
Additional Information and Resources:
Conclusion & Takeaways
Learning about neoplasm is the first step toward taking control of your health. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments, you empower yourself to make informed decisions. Remember to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and support.