Neoplasm: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Neoplasm refers to the abnormal growth of cells that can form a tumor. It develops when changes (mutations) occur in a cell’s DNA, disrupting normal cell growth and division.

These mutations may be inherited (genetic predisposition) or triggered by external factors such as obesity, alcohol consumption, and smoking.

Symptoms vary depending on the type of neoplasm and its location in the body. Common signs may include persistent fatigue, unexplained weight changes, and the presence of lumps or hardened areas under the skin.

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of a neoplasm may include:

• Constant fatigue

• Unexplained weight loss or gain

• Lumps or hardened areas under the skin

• Fever or night sweats with no apparent cause

• Loss of appetite

• Muscle or joint pain

• Chills

Symptoms of a neoplasm vary depending on where it is located in the body. It may affect how the affected organ works or press on nearby structures.

In many cases, especially in the early stages, a neoplasm does not cause symptoms and may only be detected during routine exams.

Is a neoplasm cancer?

A neoplasm is not always cancer. The term refers to the abnormal growth of cells that form a tumor, which can be benign or malignant.

In a benign neoplasm, the cells grow slowly, stay where they started, do not invade other tissues, and usually do not come back after removal. For this reason, it is not considered cancer.

A malignant neoplasm is cancer. In this case, the cells grow in an uncontrolled way, invade nearby structures, and can spread to other parts of the body.

In other words, all cancers are malignant neoplasms, but not all neoplasms are cancer. Learn more about cancer symptoms that should be reported to your doctor.

Main types

The types of neoplasm are:

1. Benign neoplasm

A benign neoplasm, also called a noncancerous tumor, is an abnormal growth of cells that does not invade other tissues or spread to other parts of the body. It usually grows slowly.

Benign neoplasms rarely become life-threatening and are often reversible when the stimulus that caused them is removed. Some examples include fibroids, lipomas, meningiomas, polyps, cysts, adenomas, and some thyroid nodules.

2. Malignant neoplasm

A malignant neoplasm, also known as cancer, is characterized by abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth and multiplication. According to the National Cancer Institute, malignant neoplasms can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. This spread is called metastasis.

Malignant neoplasms tend to grow aggressively and quickly, and they may come back even after treatment. Some types of malignant neoplasms include carcinoma, sarcoma, leukemia, and lymphoma.

Possible causes

Factors that may contribute to the development of a neoplasm include:

• Genetic predisposition

• Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun

• Alcohol use

• Smoking

• Obesity

• Poor diet

• Viral infections, such as HPV and HIV

Factors such as advanced age, weakened immunity, and chronic diseases, such as ulcerative colitis, may also increase the risk of developing a neoplasm.

According to the CDC, several factors listed above, including alcohol use, tobacco use, obesity, HPV, and family health history, are associated with a higher risk of cancer.

Confirming a diagnosis

The diagnosis of a neoplasm usually involves several doctors. It may begin with a primary care provider, who evaluates symptoms, family history, and performs a physical exam.

To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may order imaging tests, such as CT scans, MRI scans, and X-rays, to help locate the tumor.

A biopsy and blood tests may also be used to support the diagnosis. These can include a complete blood count and tumor markers, such as CA-125, PSA, and MCA.

Treatment options

Treatment for a neoplasm varies depending on the type, location, stage of the disease, and the person’s overall health, and may include:

• Surgery: to remove benign neoplasms that cause discomfort, cosmetic changes, or compression of organs. It may also be recommended for malignant neoplasms when the tumor is still small and has not spread.

• Chemotherapy: involves the use of medications to destroy malignant neoplasm cells.

• Radiation therapy: uses radiation to destroy or shrink cancer

• Immunotherapy: aims to stimulate the immune system to fight cancer cells

• Hormone therapy: blocks the action of hormones that promote the growth of certain types of cancer, such as breast and prostate cancer

• Targeted therapy: uses medications to help identify and specifically attack malignant neoplasm cells.

• Bone marrow transplant: replaces damaged bone marrow with healthy bone marrow, usually in cases of leukemia and lymphoma.

In addition, palliative care can be provided at any stage. It focuses on improving quality of life by reducing symptoms and treatment side effects.

Can a neoplasm be cured?

Some neoplasms can be cured, but this depends on the tumor’s type and characteristics.

Benign neoplasms do not spread to other parts of the body, so they are usually curable and rarely life-threatening.

For malignant neoplasms, the chances of control or cure depend on factors such as the tumor’s location, stage, and the person’s overall health.

Prevention measures

Some ways to help prevent a neoplasm include:

• Avoid smoking to reduce the risk of lung neoplasm and other smoking-related types

• Reduce alcohol use to lower the risk of neoplasms of the esophagus, liver, and other parts of the digestive tract

• Follow a healthy diet, prioritizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, and nuts, and avoiding excessive intake of red meat, ultra-processed foods, and fried foods

• Protect the skin from sun exposure by using sunscreen every day and avoiding prolonged direct sun exposure

• Exercise regularly to help maintain a healthy weight and strengthen the immune system

It is also important to have regular screening tests for early detection of neoplasms, as recommended by a doctor. These may include mammograms, digital rectal exams, and colonoscopies, for example.