blastoma
Noun: A blastoma is a type of tumor, typically malignant, that arises from immature, undifferentiated cells known as blast cells. These tumors are most commonly associated with embryonic tissue and are often found in children.
The term blastoma is used in medical and pathological contexts to classify and describe specific cancerous growths. It is often part of a compound name specifying the tissue of origin (e.g., nephroblastoma, retinoblastoma). When used alone, it refers to the general class of such tumors. - The biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of a blastoma. - Pediatric oncologists have extensive experience treating various forms of blastoma.
- "Blastomatous" (adjective): Pertaining to or resembling a blastoma.
- The tissue had a blastomatous appearance under the microscope.
- Nephroblastoma: A blastoma of the kidney (also known as Wilms' tumor).
- Retinoblastoma: A blastoma of the retina in the eye.
- Neuroblastoma: A blastoma originating from neural crest cells, often in the adrenal gland or nervous system.
- Hepatoblastoma: A blastoma of the liver.
- Medulloblastoma: A fast-growing brain tumor, often classified as a type of blastoma.
- Embryonal tumor
- Blast cell tumor
While all blastomas are tumors composed of immature cells, the specific behavior, location, and prognosis vary significantly depending on the preceding prefix (e.g., neuro-, retino-). The standalone term blastoma denotes the general pathological category.
- a tumor composed of immature undifferentiated cells