An abnormal swelling of the body other than those caused by direct injury.
Swelling, one of the cardinal signs of inflammations; morbid enlargement.
A new growth of tissue in which the multiplication of cells is uncontrolled and progressive; called also neoplasm.
An abnormal growth of tissue resulting from uncontrolled multiplication of cells and serving no physiological function.
An abnormal growth of tissue (benign or malignant).
An unusual swelling or growth of new cells.
This literally means any swelling, but the term does not usually include temporary swellings caused by acute inflammation. The consequences locally, however, of chronic inflammation like tuberculosis, syphilis and leprosy, are sometimes classed as tumours, according to their size and appearance.
The term “tumor” refers to any kind of swelling, but it’s most commonly used to describe an unusual growth of tissue resulting from cells in a particular area multiplying at a faster rate than normal. Tumors can either be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous).
Cancerous tumors have the ability to infiltrate nearby tissues and can also disseminate to other parts of the body via the blood or lymphatic system, leading to secondary growths known as metastases. A carcinoma is a type of cancerous tumor originating from epithelial tissues like the skin, while a sarcoma starts in connective tissues such as muscle, bone, or fibrous tissue.
Benign tumors typically expand at a slow pace and do not spread to other parts of the body. They are often enclosed in a fibrous capsule, which usually makes surgical removal easier. However, these benign tumors can still become large enough to exert pressure on adjacent structures, which may pose risks, especially in restricted areas like the skull.