Tumor Cells

A tumor is used to refer to a neoplasm, which is a “solid or fluid-filled cystic lesion that may or may not be formed by an abnormal growth of neoplastic cells.” Tumors often appear enlarged in sized. However, in spite of popular knowledge and belief, a tumor is not completely synonymous with cancer. A cancer is almost always malignant, while a tumor can be benign or pre-malignant. It can also represent a lesion that will not develop into a cancerous affliction in the future. The words “mass” and “nodule” can be considered as synonyms for “tumor,” but tumor itself is often used rather generically, without giving reference or an idea to how big the physical size of the lesion is. In the strict medical sense, the term nodule is used when the size of the tumor is less than twenty millimeters in its greatest dimension, and “mass” is used when the lesion is at least twenty millimeters in its greatest dimension. “Tumor” is the Latin word for “swelling,” and in the basic medical sense it used to mean an abnormal swelling of the flesh. Contemporary usage, however, has associated it with cancerous or non-cancerous neoplasm. Cysts can also be considered tumors, even if they do not contain neoplastic cells. A neoplasmic tumor is often caused by an abnormal proliferation of tissues, which can be a direct result of genetic mutations. However, not all neoplasms cause a visible tumor, such in the case of carcinoma in situ or leukemia. Cysts are not associated with an abnormal proliferation of tissues, and they are not potentially malignant. Breast cysts can be considered as tumors, but instead of neoplasm the growth is caused by encapsulated glandular swellings from the thyroid, adrenal gland, and pancreas. Keloids, granulomas, and encapsulated hematomas and necrotic tissues can also be considered as tumors. This category contains scientific information about tumors, which are cell growths that might or might not lead to cancerous conditions.