Neoplasia: types, symptoms, causes and treatment

This alteration of cell proliferation, in its malignant form, is considered cancer.

The concept of neoplasia may not be frequent to hear in our daily life 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 it is of great importance to analyze and study this type of alteration, especially considering that cancer is still one of the main challenges of medicine 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.its most common classification and possible interventions that can be carried out to remove them.

Neoplasia

A neoplasm is the formation or uncontrolled uncontrolled and uncontrolled growth of some type of own tissue of the organism that is produced in an abnormal, autonomous and without purpose, uncontrolled and irreversible way. 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, growth continues despite the cessation of such stimulation. They can appear in any organ and in practically any person, 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 the neoplasm they are the parenchyma, which are the set of cells with their own functionIn the last term, those that grow and reproduce, while the stroma or set of tissues that serve as a framework for this (fundamentally connective tissue and Blood vessels) allow this tumor 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 may be related to its existence. The type of symptoms will vary according to the location and type of neoplasia of the neoplasm being discussed.

However it must be kept in mind that although the presence of symptoms that may be possible indicators do 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 the degree of malignancy and/or the type of tissue that grows.

Types of neoplasms according to benignity or malignancy

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

Benign neoplasms

A regular, localized, self-limiting or encapsulated neoplasm is considered benign and its behavior is non-infiltrative (i.e. it does not invade 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 tumor is quite common throughout life. polyps, cysts, adenomas, adenomas, papillomas or fibromas among many others.

In general, benign neoplasms are cellular formations that do not necessarily cause serious alterations in 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 surrounding structures and do not limit themselves. They are rapid growths that affect the surrounding tissues and invade them, not self-limiting and producing metastases.. Cellular differentiation is lost, and the limits of the tumor mass are not very well defined. As the tissue evolves, it becomes less similar to the original structure.

We are talking about what is 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 hemorrhages and death of the tissues. It can generate recurrences, that is to say that if they are not completely eliminated they can grow again in spite of being extirpated. The degree of infiltration, as well as their speed of expansion and growth, can be determined by the following factors and the extent and degree of differentiation of their cells can be very variable. In this sense we can find several subclassifications (which you can see in this article).

Classification according to the neoplastic tissue

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

Connective tissue tumors

This type of tumor occurs in tissues such as adipose, cartilage, bone or fibrous tissue. For example, fibroma or osteosarcoma..

2. Tumors derived from endothelium

These are tumors or neoplasms which occur in blood vessels, lymphatic vessels or in the meninges.. Examples are meningioma or hemangioma.

3. Tumors derived from blood cells

An uncontrolled proliferation of blood, lymph or immune system cells occurs. The best known type is leukemia.. 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 epithelial tissue existing in different organs, glands and ducts. Carcinomas (including the well-known melanoma) or papillomas are frequently known to the population.

Causes

The exact reasons why certain cells begin to multiply in an uncontrolled manner are not known. In reality, 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 diseasesIn addition, diet, the incorporation of certain polluting chemical substances by the organism, sedentary life, exposure to radiation or genetic predisposition are variables that have been linked to its appearance.

Experiences, styles of coping with stress (some predispose to cancer, such as those who repress negative emotions and inhibit themselves) or personality also have an influence.

However, it should be borne in mind that none of these factors explains the appearance of cancer itself. For example, although there may be a predisposition to cancer although there may be a genetic predisposition, most cancers occur sporadically..

Possible treatments

There are a large number of possible treatments to be applied in case of neoplasia, being usually the removal of the tumor and/or the application of chemo or radiotherapy to destroy either the tumor or the remains that may be left of it.

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

Regarding 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 remnants. The use of immunotherapy or hormonal therapy is not uncommon. In some cases, ablation of parts of the body may be necessary. with a high risk of infiltration, as occurs in breast cancer with mastectomy. Unfortunately, depending on the degree of spread and the stage of the cancer, the treatment may not cure the patient, but only slow down its progression or even offer palliative treatments.

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

The subject can become isolated or be isolated, assume a passive attitude, suffer from anxiety and depression or deny his condition and not want to be treated, among other possibilities. Thus, the use of various types of psychological therapy may serve to facilitate adherence to treatment, improve the physical and mental state of the patientThe psychological treatment of chemotherapy can help to prevent and diminish the effects of possible depressive and anxious symptoms, to favor emotional expression and activity or even to 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, counseling and information and coping strategies are usually offered. We also seek to help improve the feeling of control over the symptoms and the physical state with resources such as relaxation techniques, systematic desensitization, visualization therapy or adjuvant psychological therapy (seeks to help the patient to have an active coping and improve their sense of control to improve their immune response).

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