Neoplasm

A removed section of a colon with colon cancer. In the middle, the dark-red part is a tumor, as shown by the uncontrollable growth of cells.

Tasmanian devil with a tumour

A neoplasm is tissue that is growing where it should not be. If they become a mass, they become a tumour. Tumours are either malignant (harmful) or benign (safe). Cancer, for example is malignant and sometimes spreads to other places on the body. Some tumours have a cause that makes them grow. For some tumours no cause is known. A tumour usually forms as a lump or mass.

Tumours can occur in humans and animals. In humans, tumors can occur because the genetic code of cells is modified too much, causing affected cells to divide and expand uncontrollably. The Tasmanian Devils in Tasmania, Australia are in danger of becoming extinct because of a malignant tumour that grows on their face.

Neoplasm Media

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  Diagram illustrating benign neoplasms, namely fibroids of the uterus

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  The central role of DNA damage and epigenetic defects in DNA repair genes in malignant neoplasms

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  Longitudinally opened freshly resected colon segment showing a cancer and four polyps, plus a schematic diagram indicating a likely field defect (a region of tissue that precedes and predisposes to the development of cancer) in this colon segment. The diagram indicates sub-clones and sub-sub-clones that were precursors to the tumors.