Neoplasm

A neoplasm is an abnormal mass of tissue formed by excessive, uncoordinated cell growth that persists after the initiating stimulus ends. It may be benign or malignant.

Cell proliferation: The increase in cell number through cell division. Neoplasms arise when cell proliferation escapes normal control.
Benign neoplasm: A neoplasm that does not invade nearby tissue or metastasize. This category contrasts with malignant growth while remaining neoplastic.
Oncogene: A gene whose activation can promote uncontrolled cell growth or survival. Activated oncogenes can drive neoplastic proliferation.
Histopathology: The microscopic examination of diseased tissue to identify structural and cellular abnormalities. Histopathology assesses a neoplasm's tissue pattern and cellular features.
Differentiation: The process by which cells acquire specialized structures and functions. Tumor cells may retain, lose, or distort the specialization of their tissue of origin.
Malignant neoplasm: A neoplasm capable of invading nearby tissue and spreading to distant sites. Its invasive and metastatic behavior distinguishes it from benign neoplasms.
Tumor suppressor gene: A gene that restrains cell growth, preserves genomic integrity, or promotes cell death. Loss of tumor-suppressor function removes barriers to neoplastic growth.
Tumor grading: The assessment of how abnormal tumor cells appear and how rapidly they may grow. Grade describes microscopic aggressiveness, not the extent of spread.
Mutation: A permanent change in the DNA sequence of a cell or organism. Mutations can alter growth-control pathways in neoplastic cells.
Hyperplasia: An increase in the number of cells in a tissue, usually in response to a stimulus. Unlike neoplasia, hyperplasia can regress when its stimulus is removed.

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