Understanding the Difference Between a Neoplasm vs. Tumor

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, you may be reading a lot of new information, which can leave you feeling overwhelmed. You will see two terms that are commonly used in oncology (the study of cancer): neoplasm and tumor. Please continue reading to learn the differences between the two.

What are tumors and neoplasms?

Every cell in the body has a life cycle. After a period of growth and reproduction, it eventually dies. Sometimes, this normal life cycle is disrupted, and instead of dying, old and damaged cells with defective DNA (genes) start dividing rapidly and making multiple flawed copies of themselves. These abnormal cells form a mass which is called a tumor or neoplasm.

Is a tumor considered a neoplasm?

The terms “tumor” and “neoplasm” are mostly used interchangeably because they both refer to abnormal growth. As mentioned above, a tumor or neoplasm is an abnormal mass of tissue that forms due to uncontrolled cell division. However, some experts say there is a subtle difference between a tumor and a neoplasm. A tumor refers to a swelling or lump with a swollen state developing due to an abnormal growth of cells. A neoplasm refers to a new growth, lesion, or ulcer that consists of abnormal cells.

Are all cancers neoplasms?

Neoplasms can be of two types - benign and malignant. Benign neoplasms are noncancerous, while malignant neoplasms are cancerous.

How do you know if a neoplasm is benign or malignant?

Benign neoplasms grow slowly and do not spread to nearby tissues or other parts of the body. Malignant neoplasms grow rapidly, invade nearby tissues, and spread to other parts of the body. Similarly, benign tumors grow slowly, and while they may become quite large, they do not invade nearby tissues or spread. Malignant tumors undergo rapid growth and can spread to other parts of the body, away from the original site of the primary cancer.

In terms of appearance, benign tumors tend to have smooth, distinct, and regular borders. Cancerous growths tend to have irregular borders.

The spread of cancer cells in a malignant neoplasm to a different part of the body than the primary location where they originated is called metastasis. For example, if the cancerous cells in breast cancer spread to the bones, lungs, or brain, it is called metastatic cancer.

Can a benign tumor become malignant?

Yes, some benign tumors can become malignant over time, such as certain types of skin cancer and colorectal cancer. Healthcare providers usually monitor patients who have a benign neoplasm with blood tests and imaging tests to ensure they get timely cancer treatment when needed.

What are some examples of benign tumors?

Benign tumors in different parts of the body are called by different names, for example:

Adenomas in the pituitary gland, liver, or colon
Fibromas in tendons and ligaments
Chondromas in cartilage
Hemangiomas in blood vessels
Lipomas in fat cells
Lymphangiomas in lymph vessels
Meningiomas in the brain
Myomas in muscles
Neuromas in nerve cells
Osteomas in bone
Dermatofibromas in skin

What are some examples of malignant tumors?

Malignant tumors in different parts of the body include:

Carcinomas in epithelial tissues such as the skin and inner lining of organs, for example, the breast, bladder, prostate, uterus, lung, colon, and rectum
Sarcomas in connective tissues such as bones, muscles, tendons, and cartilage
Myelomas in cells of the bone marrow
Leukemias in blood cells
Lymphomas in glands and nodes of the lymphatic system

What are the treatment options for benign and malignant tumors?

The treatment depends on whether an abnormal growth or lesion is benign or malignant. Most benign (non-cancerous) tumors do not need to be treated unless the abnormal cells grow to such a degree that they cause symptoms like pain, bleeding, headaches, trouble breathing, or seizures. In such a case, a healthcare provider may recommend surgically removing the benign tumor or offering other treatments to relieve symptoms. Sometimes, a benign neoplasm is removed for cosmetic purposes, for example, a skin tag.

Doctors have many treatments available to fight cancer cells. These treatments are frequently administered at specialized cancer treatment centers. According to the American Cancer Society, some of the therapies used to treat cancer include:

Chemotherapy (the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells)
Radiation therapy (the use of high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors)
Targeted therapies (treatments that target cancer cells and prevent them from growing and spreading)
Immunotherapy drugs (medications that help the body’s immune system fight cancer)
Surgical removal of malignant neoplasms

Several factors, including both environmental and genetic factors, can give rise to tumors and neoplasms in the human body. While a cancer diagnosis can be devastating, it’s important to remember that many common cancers are curable. Early detection is key because many tumors that get diagnosed in the early stages are treatable. Talk to your doctor about what screening tests are appropriate for you based on your age, gender, and personal and family history.

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