What is a Malignant Neoplasm? Causes & Symptoms

What is a Malignant Neoplasm? Causes & Symptoms

Cells are the basic structural and functional units of life. They grow, replicate, and then die automatically (the process called apoptosis).

Problems arise when cells do not die and grow abnormally. This abnormal growth of cells in tissues is known as a neoplasm, which can be classified into two types: noncancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant).

Benign tumors grow very slowly and do not spread beyond their point of origin. In contrast, malignant neoplasms are cancerous tumors. This is an interesting topic to explore, so let’s delve into the details.

What is a Malignant Neoplasm?

A malignant neoplasm, also known as a cancerous tumor, is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and division. This abnormal growth can develop in any part of the body, including the breast, skin, prostate, bladder, cervix, endometrium (lining of the uterus), lung, colon, rectum, liver, bones, brain, and more.

Having gained a basic understanding of malignant neoplasms, it is essential to learn about the causes and symptoms associated with them. This knowledge will help you connect the dots and achieve a clearer understanding of the disease.

Causes of Malignant Neoplasm

Researchers are still uncertain about the exact causes of tumors. Generally, cancerous tumors develop as a result of DNA mutations within cells. Your DNA contains genes that direct how cells operate, grow, and divide. When DNA changes, it can lead to cancer.

Below are a few factors that can cause your genes to mutate, resulting in benign or malignant tumor growth:

1. Genetics

2. Immune disorders

3. Viruses

4. Overexposure to radiation

5. Chemical toxins

6. Age

7. Hormones

8. Smoking

9. Alcohol consumption

10. Obesity

Symptoms of Malignant Neoplasm

Symptoms of malignant neoplasms vary based on the affected area of the body. For instance, individuals with brain tumors may experience headaches, seizures, balance problems, and more. In contrast, those with colon cancer may suffer from abdominal pain or changes in stool.

Here are some general signs and symptoms associated with, but not specific to, cancer:

1. Fatigue

2. Lumps

3. Weight changes, including unintended loss or gain

4. Changes in the skin, such as yellowing, darkening, or redness; sores that do not heal

5. Changes to moles

6. Changes in bowel or bladder habits

7. Persistent cough or difficulty breathing

8. Difficulty swallowing

9. Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating

10. Unexplained muscle or joint pain

11. Unexplained fevers or night sweats

12. Unexplained bleeding or bruising

While the above are visible symptoms, some patients may not experience any symptoms at all, or they may not realize their condition until it reaches an advanced stage.

For students preparing for an MD in Medicine, basic information is insufficient; they need to be aware of every aspect of the topic. To gain a deep understanding of malignant neoplasms, including reasons for asymptomatic cases and the diagnostic methods used to detect abnormal cell growth, enrolling in an MD course in Medicine is crucial.

Details About the Course

Understanding a complex subject is not easy, and to achieve a comprehensive knowledge of malignant neoplasms, one needs to learn it in an engaging and accessible way. That’s why this course is considered one of the most reliable resources for students.

The course includes detailed MD Medicine video lectures that cover procedures, enabling students to understand practical skills through a case-based approach.

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