II. What: Define, Classify, Name, Recognise – NUS Pathweb

1. Define:

Neoplasia("new growth")

Neoplasm: An abnormal mass of tissue, the growth of which exceeds and is uncoordinated with that of the normal tissues and persists in the same excessive manner after cessation of the stimuli which evoked the change.

- Willis (British oncologist), quoted from Robbins and Cotrans' Pathologic Basis of Disease

In general, the words "neoplasm" and "tumour" are used interchangeably. Neoplasms can be benign or malignant.

2. Classify: Benign vs Malignant

This table shows main differences between Benign and Malignant neoplasms:

3. Name:

Neoplasms are named according to the tissue type and nature (benign vs malignant). Most tissue types will have both benign and malignant counterparts.

Table on nomenclature: (Click on the table to enlarge)

Note that there are some exceptions which sound benign but are actually malignant! Check your lecture notes for these, or the mindmap in a later page.

4. Recognise: How to tell if a tumour is benign and malignant?

How to tell? LOOK!!

Gross - diagnostic imaging; pathologic examination
Micro - pathologic examination

This is Morphology - Neoplasms form masses. They can be seen with the naked eye - superficial tumours are inspected and palpated, while deep seated tumours are visualized using radiologic imaging.

Click here to appreciate some GROSS and MICROSCOPIC characteristics of Benign vs Malignant tumours.