Neoplasm

Intermediate 🏥 Healthcare / Medical

Definition

An abnormal new growth of tissue, whether benign or malignant—basically your body decided to start a side business without permission.

Example Usage

The imaging study revealed a 3-centimeter neoplasm in the pancreas, requiring further staging to determine if it was malignant.

Origin

From Greek 'neo' (new) + 'plasma' (growth); medical terminology since the 1800s.

Fun Fact

Benign neoplasms are usually encapsulated and slow-growing, while malignant neoplasms are invasive and metastasize—the difference between an unwanted houseguest and a home invader.

Source: Oncology and Pathology standards

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