Mass
Mass (medicine)
Mass (pronounced: /mæs/) in the field of medicine refers to a lump or collection of material in the body. It can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Etymology
The term "mass" originates from the Latin word "massa", meaning "lump" or "dough". In the medical context, it has been used since the 14th century to describe abnormal growths or lumps in the body.
Definition
In medicine, a mass is a lump or collection of material. It can be solid or liquid, and it can be located in any part of the body. Masses can be caused by a variety of conditions, including infection, inflammation, trauma, or tumor growth.
Types of Masses
There are many types of masses, including:
- Tumor: An abnormal growth of cells. Tumors can be benign or malignant.
- Cyst: A sac filled with fluid or semi-solid material.
- Abscess: A collection of pus caused by an infection.
- Hematoma: A collection of blood outside of the blood vessels, usually caused by trauma.
- Lipoma: A benign tumor made of fat tissue.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a mass often involves a combination of physical examination, medical imaging (such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI), and sometimes biopsy (taking a small sample of the mass for examination under a microscope).
Treatment
The treatment of a mass depends on its cause, location, and whether it is benign or malignant. Treatment options may include observation, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these.
Related Terms
- Benign: A term used to describe a condition that is not cancerous.
- Malignant: A term used to describe a condition that is cancerous.
- Biopsy: A procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed for examination.
- Tumor: An abnormal growth of cells, which may be benign or malignant.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mass
- Wikipedia's article - Mass
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