The concept of neoplasia may not be common to hear in our daily lives and in fact may seem unknown to many, but it refers to a very common reality that causes great concern in the population: we are talking about the formation of neoplasms, better known as tumors.

That is why the analysis and study of this type of alterations is of great importance, especially taking into account that cancer continues to be one of the main challenges in medicine today and one of the most common causes of death. In this article we will analyze what a neoplasm is , its most common classification and possible interventions that can be carried out to remove it.

Neoplasia

Neoplasia is understood to be the formation or uncontrolled growth of some type of tissue characteristic of the organism that occurs in an abnormal, autonomous and purposeless, uncontrolled and irreversible manner. It is produced without taking into account the rest of the tissues, being independent of them.

Such growth generates the presence of a mass, the neoplasm or tumor, which competes with normal tissues and cells. Although they sometimes appear due to a certain stimulation, the growth continues in spite of this cessation. They can appear in any organ and in virtually anyone, regardless of age and condition.

In the human body we can find tissues that have a specific function within an organ and others that act more as a support to allow it to function. In neoplasia it is the parenchyma, which are the set of cells with their own function , and in the last term those that grow and reproduce, while the stroma or set of tissues that serve as a framework for this (mainly connective tissue and blood vessels) allow this tumour development to take place.

The existence of a neoplasm or tumor formation can be asymptomatic (especially if it is benign), but in others it usually generates physical, physiological or even behavioral alterations (for example in brain tumors) that can be related to its existence. The type of symptoms will vary according to the location and type of neoplasm being discussed.

However, it should be borne in mind that although the presence of symptoms that may be possible indicators does not necessarily imply the existence of a neoplasm but may be due to a wide variety of conditions (not all of them necessarily clinical), which in fact in many cases are more likely.

We can find multiple types of neoplasms, depending on the type of tissue affected, the presence or absence of infiltration. However, the most common are those that take into account their degree of malignancy and / or the type of tissue that grows.

Types of neoplasms according to benignity or malignancy

Neoplasms can be catalogued and classified into different groups based on various criteria. However, the most common and well-known classification is the one that takes into account their degree of malignancy and capacity of infiltration in other areas, differentiating two large groups of neoplasms.

Benign neoplasms

It is considered benign all that regular neoplasm, localized and that is self-limiting or encapsulating being its behavior non-infiltrative (ie, does not invade the surrounding tissue). Its growth is relatively slow, being the cells that form part of the tumor similar to those of the surrounding tissues and being clearly differentiated. The presence of some type of benign tumour is quite common throughout life, with polyps, cysts, adenomas, papillomas or fibromas being frequent, among many others.

In general, benign neoplasms are cell formations that do not have to cause serious alterations to the patient, unless their presence generates pinching or compression of blood vessels or relevant organs (especially when they occur in a closed space such as the brain, inside the skull) or end up becoming malignant.

Malignant neoplasms

Malignant neoplasms are those in which infiltrative tumors form, which tend to expand and invade the structures around them and are not limited. They are rapid growths that affect the surrounding tissues and invade them, not self-limiting and producing metastasis . Cellular differentiation is lost, and the limits of the tumour mass are not very well defined. As the tissue evolves it becomes less similar to the original structure.

We’re talking about what’s commonly known as cancer. If left untreated it ends up causing the death of the patient in periods of time that can vary greatly, frequently causing hemorrhaging and death of the tissues. It can generate relapses, that is to say, if they are not completely eliminated, they can grow again in spite of being removed. The degree of infiltration, as well as its speed of expansion and growth and the extension and degree of differentiation of its cells can be very variable. In this sense we can find several subclassifications (which you can see in this article).

Classification according to neoplastic tissue

Another possible classification is according to the type of tissue in which the neoplasm appears. In this sense we can find a great number of categories, being able to find both benign and malignant neoplasms in practically all types. The following groups stand out.

1. Tumors of connective tissue

This type of tumor occurs in fat, cartilage, bone, or fibrous tissue. For example, fibroma or osteosarcoma .

2. Endothelium-derived tumors

These are tumors or neoplasms that occur in the blood, lymphatic or meningeal vessels . Thus, meningioma or haemangioma are examples.

3. Tumors derived from blood cells

Uncontrolled proliferation of blood, lymph or immune system cells occurs. The best known type is leukaemia . In this case they are all malignant

4. Tumors derived from epithelial cells

This type of neoplasm occurs either in the skin or in the existing epithelial tissue in different organs, glands and ducts. Carcinomas (including the well-known melanoma) or papillomas are frequently known by the population.

Causes

It is not known exactly why certain cells start to multiply uncontrollably. In fact, there is no single cause for the appearance of a neoplasm, but rather they have a multifactorial origin.

Aspects such as the presence of certain disorders or diseases , the diet, the incorporation of certain chemical pollutants by the body, sedentary life, exposure to radiation or genetic predisposition are variables that have been linked to their appearance.

Experiences, coping styles (some predispose to cancer, such as those that suppress negative emotions and are inhibited) or personality also play a role.

However, it should be noted that none of these factors explain the appearance of the cancer itself. For example despite the fact that there may be a genetic predisposition, most of them occur sporadically .

Possible treatments

There are a large number of possible treatments to be applied in the case of neoplasia, usually involving the removal of the tumour and/or the application of chemo or radiotherapy to destroy either the tumour or any remains of it.

A large proportion of benign neoplasms are removed surgically, unless their risk level is low and the removal itself would cause other problems (for example, causing vision damage in an eye tumor). Even if the neoplasm detected is benign, it will always be necessary to undergo a periodic medical control in order to prevent it from becoming malignant or growing excessively, causing different types of discomfort and problems.

For malignant neoplasms or cancers, the procedure is similar. Surgery is usually applied before or after, as well as chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy in order to reduce and destroy the tumor or possible tumor remains. The use of immunotherapy or hormonal therapy is not uncommon. In some cases it may be necessary to ablate parts of the body with a high risk of infiltration, as occurs in breast cancer with mastectomy. Unfortunately, depending on the degree of expansion and the stage of the cancer, the treatment may not serve to cure the patient, only slowing its progress or even offering palliative treatments.

It is also advisable, at least when we talk about cancer or a benign neoplasm but that leaves sequels (such as one that occurs in the brain), to act at a psychological level. It is necessary to bear in mind that the diagnosis of a neoplasm supposes a hard blow for the one who receives it and for his environment.

The subject may become isolated or withdrawn, assume a passive attitude, suffer from anxiety and depression or deny his condition and not want to treat himself, among other possibilities. In this way, the use of different types of psychological therapy can serve to facilitate the adherence to the treatment, improve the physical and mental state of the patient , prevent and diminish the effects of possible depressive and anxious symptoms, favour emotional expression and activity or even desensitize the subject to the secondary symptoms of the treatment (it is common for nausea and vomiting to persist after chemotherapy due to the association of food with the discomfort generated by the treatment).

Psychological treatment

In the case of cancer, the type of psychological therapy will depend on the stage of the disease and the characteristics of the patient. For example, counselling is usually offered and information and coping strategies are provided. It also seeks to help improve the patient’s sense of control over symptoms and their own physical condition with resources such as relaxation techniques, systematic desensitisation, visualisation therapy or adjuvant psychological therapy (seeks to get the patient to have active coping and improve their sense of control to enhance their immune response).

Also essential is psychoeducation for the subject with cancer and his environment . The use of expressive therapies to reflect their feelings and fears and cognitive restructuring to fight against irrational or harmful beliefs can also be of great help.