Chapter 7: Neoplasms and Cysts

Vocabulary terms and definitions related to neoplasms, tumors, and cysts as presented in Chapter 7.

Neoplasia

Literally means “new growth,” derived from the roots neo (new) and plasia (growth).

Oncology

The study of tumors or neoplasms, from oncos (tumor) and logos (study).

Hyperplasia

An increase in the number of cells and the overall size of tissue.

Neoplasm

An abnormal mass of tissue that exhibits an uncoordinated and excessive growth.

Benign

A category of neoplasm that is not recurrent or progressive, remains localized, and is referred to as nonmalignant.

Malignant

A category of neoplasm known as cancer that infiltrates tissues with crablike extensions causing severe tissue destruction.

Sarcoma

A naming category for malignant tumors that generally arise from connective tissues.

Carcinoma

A naming category for malignant tumors that generally originate in epithelial tissues.

Metastasis

The process by which cancer spreads throughout the body.

Adenoma

A typically slow-growing, benign neoplasm of epithelial origin; examples include pituitary adenomas and adrenal gland adenomas.

Papilloma

Wartlike tumors caused by the human papilloma virus that can affect the feet, hands, vocal cords, face, and genitals.

Polyp

Growth that can be found on the lining of the intestinal tract, trachea, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, or colon.

Melanoma

A serious form of skin cancer that begins in the melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

The most common form of skin cancer and the most common of all cancers, representing one out of every three new cases.

Osteoma

A benign tumor originating in or consisting of bone tissue, found mostly on the face and skull.

Lipoma

A benign tumor composed of fat cells that can occur in any fat tissues.

Angioma

A benign tumor that consists of vessels and can be located anywhere on the body.

Osteosarcoma

An aggressive, rapid-growing malignant tumor of connective tissue that often spreads to the lungs in its early stages.

Chondrosarcoma

A type of bone cancer that primarily affects the cartilage cells of the femur, arm, pelvis, knee, and spine.

Rhabdomyoma

A benign tumor of muscle tissue that is the most common primary cardiac tumor in the fetus, neonate, and young child.

Leiomyoma

A benign tumor that arises from smooth muscle and may develop wherever smooth muscle is present.

Neuroma

A benign tumor of nervous tissue; acoustic versions grow on the eighth cranial nerve leading from the brain to the inner ear.

Cyst

A sac within or on the body surface or a closed pocket of tissue that can be filled with air, fluid, pus, or other material.

Sebaceous Cyst

A closed sac found just under the skin containing a cheese-like material formed from skin secretions; also known as an epidermal, keratin, or epidermoid cyst.

Cachexia

One of the seven common postmortem conditions associated with neoplasms, occurring alongside emaciation and dehydration.