Malignant tumors
Malignant Tumors
Malignant tumors (pronunciation: muh-lig-nuhnt too-muhrz) are a type of cancer that can invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.
Etymology
The term "malignant" is derived from the Latin word "malignus" which means "bad kind". The term "tumor" is derived from the Latin word "tumere" which means "to swell".
Definition
A malignant tumor is a mass of cells that grows out of control and invades surrounding tissues. Unlike benign tumors, malignant tumors can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. This process is known as metastasis.
Types of Malignant Tumors
There are many types of malignant tumors, including:
- Carcinoma: This is the most common type of cancer, originating from the skin or tissues that line the internal organs.
- Sarcoma: A type of malignant tumor that originates from connective tissues like bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other soft tissues.
- Leukemia: This type of cancer starts in the blood-forming tissues such as the bone marrow.
- Lymphoma: This starts in the cells of the immune system.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of malignant tumors often involves imaging tests, laboratory tests, and biopsy. Treatment options for malignant tumors include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, stem cell transplant, and precision medicine.
Related Terms
- Benign tumor: A non-cancerous growth that does not spread to other parts of the body.
- Metastasis: The process by which cancer cells spread from the place where they first formed to another part of the body.
- Oncology: The study of cancer.
- Pathology: The study of disease.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Malignant tumors
- Wikipedia's article - Malignant tumors
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