Neoplasms are the abnormal growths that occur in the body which can either be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Normally, the cells continue to grow and divide forming new cells as required by the body. These cells grow old and die naturally as other new cells take their place. Abnormal growths occur when the new cells continue to grow when not required and the old cells don’t die when they should. As the result of abnormal proliferation, tumors develop.
Benign tumors
Benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body and generally have a slower growth rate than the cancerous tumors. The negative effects of the benign tumors can be apparent particularly in locations such as the cranium, respiratory tract and the inside of bones. Also, when they continue to grow in size, they can press on organs causing their associated symptoms. Some of the examples of benign tumors include breast adenoma, lipoma and uterine fibroids.
- Breast adenoma
Adenomas mostly develop from the glandular tissue which can occur in several parts of the body such as the thyroid and the colon. But, when it develops in the breast, it is known as fibroadenoma. These growths in the breast are usually followed up closely in case they turn into cancer and in such cases it is known as adenocarcinoma.
- Lipoma
This is usually a slow-growing fatty lump that is located between the skin and the muscle layer. Lipomas can easily move when pressed with a finger. Treatment for lipoma is not necessary but may be optional when it causes pain or becomes bothersome.
- Uterine fibroids
These abnormal growths normally develop during childbearing years which almost never develop into cancer. It can range in size from a tiny seedling to bulky masses that can distort the uterus. It usually causes no symptoms and in most cases, the treatment option is the watchful waiting.
Malignant tumors
These are cancerous growths that can start anywhere in the body ranging in various sizes and shapes. It can also grow and invade nearby tissues, blood vessels or lymphatic vessels. Malignant tumors also have the potential to recur after treatment. Some of the common types of malignancy include cancer of the bladder, kidney, breast, liver, lungs, prostate, pancreas, rectal and thyroid.
Bladder cancer – the most common bladder cancer is transitional cell carcinoma. The symptom of bladder cancer is the presence of blood in the urine. When bladder cancer is detected in its early stage, the prognosis appears to be good.
Liver cancer – the common form of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma that develops in the tissue of the liver. The symptoms of liver cancer may not be apparent until the later stage of the disease. However, some of the common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, enlarged liver, enlarged spleen, pain in the abdomen, swelling in the abdomen, jaundice and itching.
Lung cancer – the two main forms of lung cancer are non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer which are based on the characteristic findings of the cells under the microscope. Lung cancer commonly occurs because of smoking. In most of the cases, treatment cannot completely cure cancer.
References
http://breast-cancer.ca/adenom/
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lipoma/basics/definition/con-20024646
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-fibroids/symptoms-causes/dxc-20212514
https://www.cancer.gov/types/bladder
https://www.cancer.gov/types/lung