neoplasm

/'ni:əplæzm/
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neoplasm

A doctor points to a neoplasm on a medical diagram.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • An abnormal new mass of tissue that serves no purpose: A neoplasm is a growth of new, abnormal tissue, often forming a lump or tumor. This growth is not part of the body's normal structure or function and can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Usage
  • The term "neoplasm" is a formal, medical term used by healthcare professionals. It is a neutral term that describes the abnormal growth itself, without specifying whether it is cancerous. Further tests (like a biopsy) are needed to determine if a neoplasm is benign or malignant.
Examples
  • Noun:
    • The biopsy confirmed the presence of a neoplasm in the lung.
    • Not every neoplasm is cancerous; many are benign and harmless.
    • Early detection of a neoplasm can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Advanced Usage
  • "Primary neoplasm": A tumor that originates at the site where it is found.
    • The primary neoplasm was in the colon.
  • "Secondary neoplasm" or "metastatic neoplasm": A tumor that has spread to a new location from a primary site elsewhere in the body.
    • The liver lesions were diagnosed as secondary neoplasms.
  • "Neoplastic" (adjective): Relating to or being a neoplasm.
    • The cells showed neoplastic changes under the microscope.
Variants and Related Words
  • Tumor (n): A more common synonym for a mass or swelling, often used interchangeably with "neoplasm" in medical contexts, though "tumor" can sometimes refer to non-neoplastic swellings.
  • Growth (n): A very general term that can refer to a neoplasm.
  • Lesion (n): A broad term for any area of damaged or abnormal tissue, which can include a neoplasm.
  • Oncology (n): The branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of neoplasms (cancers).
Synonyms
  • Tumor: An abnormal mass of tissue.
  • Growth: An abnormal proliferation of cells.
  • Lump: A compact mass of a substance, which could be a neoplasm.
Antonyms
  • Normal tissue: Healthy, standard body tissue.
  • Atrophy: The wasting away or decrease in size of an organ or tissue, which is the opposite of abnormal growth.
Related Phrases / Collocations
  • Benign neoplasm: A non-cancerous growth that does not invade nearby tissue or spread.
  • Malignant neoplasm: A cancerous growth that can invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.
  • Neoplasm screening: Tests or exams to look for neoplasms before symptoms appear.
  • Neoplasm resection: The surgical removal of a neoplasm.
neoplasm

A doctor points to a neoplasm on a medical diagram.

Noun
  1. an abnormal new mass of tissue that serves no purpose