Neoplasia: types, symptoms, causes and treatment

The concept of neoplasia may not be frequently heard in our daily life and in fact it 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 realizes that cancer is still today one of the main challenges of medicine and one of the most common causes of death common. In this article we are going to analyze what a neoplasia is., their most common classification and possible interventions that can be carried out to remove them.

• Related article: "Types of cancer: definition, risks and how they are classified"

neoplasm

Neoplasm is understood to be the formation or uncontrolled growth and of some type of tissue of the organism that occurs abnormally, autonomously and without purpose, uncontrolled and irreversible. It is produced without taking into account the rest of the tissues, being independent of them.

Said growth generates the presence of a mass, the neoplasm or tumor, which competes with the tissues and normal cells. Although sometimes they appear due to a certain stimulation, the growth continues despite this cessation. They can appear in any organ and in practically any person, regardless of their 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 in order to allow it to function. In neoplasia they are the parenchyma, which are the set of cells with their own function, are last term those that grow and reproduce, while the stroma or set of tissues that serve as framework for it (mainly connective tissue and blood vessels) allow said development to occur tumor.

The existence of a neoplasia or formation of a tumor can be asymptomatic (especially if it is benign), but in others they usually generate physical, physiological or even behavioral alterations (for example in brain tumors) that may be related to their existence. The type of symptoms will vary according to the location and type of neoplasia. what is being talked about.

However, it must be taken into account that although the presence of symptoms that may be possible indicators does not necessarily imply the existence of a neoplasia 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 its degree of malignancy and/or the type of tissue that grows.

Types of neoplasms according to benign or malignant

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

benign neoplasms

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

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

malignant neoplasms

Malignant neoplasms are those in which infiltrative tumors are formed, which tend to expand and invade the structures around them and are not limited. These are rapid growths that affect and invade surrounding tissues, not self-limiting and producing metastasis. Cellular differentiation is lost, and the limits of the tumor mass are not well defined. As the tissue evolves, it becomes less like 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, often causing bleeding and tissue death. It can generate recurrences, that is, if they are not completely eliminated, they can grow again despite being removed. The degree of infiltration, as well as its speed of expansion and growth and the extent and degree of differentiation of its cells can be highly variable. In this sense we can find various 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 neoplasia 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.

1. connective tissue tumors

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

2. Endothelium-derived tumors

These are tumors or neoplasms that occur in blood vessels, lymphatics, or meninges. Thus, meningioma or hemangioma are examples.

3. Blood Cell Derived Tumors

An uncontrolled proliferation of blood, lymphatic or immune system cells occurs. The best known type is leukemia.. In this case they are all evil

• Related article: "Blood types: characteristics and compositions"

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

The exact reasons why certain cells begin to multiply uncontrollably are not known. And it is that 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 diseases, diet, the incorporation of certain polluting chemical substances by the organism, life sedentary lifestyle, exposure to radiation or genetic predisposition are variables that have been linked to its appearance.

They also influence the experiences, the coping styles of the stress (some predispose to cancer, such as those who repress negative emotions and become inhibited) or personality.

However, it must be taken into account that none of these factors explains the appearance of cancer itself. For example Although 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 case of neoplasia, generally the removal of the tumor and/or the application of chemotherapy or radiotherapy to destroy either the tumor or the remains that may remain of this

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

With regard to 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 hormone therapy is not uncommon. In some cases it may be necessary to remove parts of the organism with 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 reach to serve to cure the patient, only slowing down its progress or even offering treatments palliatives.

It is also recommendable, at least when we are talking about cancer or a benign neoplasm that leaves sequelae (such as one that occurs in the brain), to act on a psychological level. It must be taken into account that the diagnosis of a neoplasia is a hard blow for the person receiving it and for those around them.

The subject may become isolated or isolated, assume a passive attitude, suffer from anxiety and depression or deny their condition and not want to treat themselves, among other possibilities. In this way, the use of various types of psychological therapy can serve to facilitate adherence to treatment, improve the physical and mental state of the patient, prevent and reduce the effects of possible depressive symptoms and anxious, favor emotional expression and activity, or even desensitize the subject to its secondary symptoms (i.e., 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 phase of the disease and the characteristics of the patient. For example, counseling is often offered and information and coping strategies are offered. It also seeks to help improve the feeling of control over the symptoms and one's own physical condition with resources such as relaxation techniques, systematic desensitization, visualization therapy or adjuvant psychological therapy (seeks that the patient has an active coping and improves his sense of control to improve his immune response).

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