Neoplasia

Neoplasia (also known as tumor or cancer) is the abnormal growth of cells in the body. This growth can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Neoplasia can occur in any part of the body and is a major cause of illness and death worldwide.

Causes

The exact cause of neoplasia is not known, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the known risk factors include smoking, exposure to certain chemicals and substances, radiation exposure, certain viral infections, and a family history of cancer.

Types

There are many different types of neoplasia, depending on the type of cell that is affected. Some of the most common types include carcinoma (cancer that starts in the skin or the tissues that line the internal organs), sarcoma (cancer that starts in the bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue), and leukemia (cancer that starts in the blood-forming tissue of the bone marrow).

Symptoms

The symptoms of neoplasia can vary widely, depending on the type and location of the growth. Some common symptoms include a lump or thickening in the body, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, pain, changes in the skin, and changes in bowel or bladder habits.

Diagnosis

Neoplasia is usually diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and diagnostic tests. These tests may include blood tests, imaging tests (such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs), and biopsy (where a small sample of tissue is removed for examination under a microscope).

Treatment

The treatment for neoplasia depends on the type and stage of the growth, as well as the patient's overall health. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, stem cell transplant, or a combination of these.

See also

• Oncology
• Pathology
• Cancer research

Neoplasia Resources
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