A malignant neoplasm is a tumor that has spread beyond the skin into the bloodstream, organs, or brain. It doesn't invade neighboring tissue like cancer does, and instead does not travel through the lymphatic system. In most cases, though, the prognosis with malignant neoplasms is usually very poor.
Malignant neoplasms generally invade the major organ or tissues in the central nervous system. In some cases, they may also spread to the lungs, liver or pancreas. Because they usually invade key organs, they can be life-threatening. Many times, it can be difficult to determine whether you have a malignancy until the condition advances further.
A solid tumor often begins with a single small area
Although this is the case for many benign neoplasms, sometimes the site of the tumor grows so large that it becomes visible. For instance, if your doctor finds a lump on the top of your right ear, you may think that it's an ear infection, but it could very well be a malignancy.
The two most common tumors are breast cancer and Hodgkin's disease. They are generally benign, and in most cases they diminish as you progress. However, since the symptoms associated with these types of tumors are very similar to those of malignant neoplasms, they can often be confused with real-life phenomena.
The third type of tumor that is of concern to most people is ovarian cancer. Although it is a very rare type of cancer, ovarian cancer is very difficult to diagnose early in its progression. Often it can only develop after a hysterectomy. However, some women do have benign tumors and may carry them into adulthood.
If you suspect you have a benign neoplasm, see your doctor immediately. You may have several tests done to check for cancer. If cancer is found, your doctor may refer you to a pathologist to confirm that it is indeed cancer, and then you can discuss a treatment plan.
Most patients will undergo some kind of aggressive treatment to treat their tumors. Sometimes chemotherapy is used to destroy or eliminate cancer cells. In other cases, surgery may be required.
The cancer that you have may be benign, but the cancer may also be very serious and even life-threatening
Your doctor can help you decide whether your tumor's warrant an immediate medical attention and what options are available to treat them.
Your doctor will most likely give you an opinion on whether you should try hormone therapy (treatment with synthetic hormones to suppress estrogen levels in your body) to treat your benign ovarian cancer. This therapy will not cure your cancer, but it will suppress your hormone levels and stop your ovaries from making excess estrogen. This will usually prevent future ovarian cancer.
Surgery will also be part of your treatment plan. Surgery can take the place of the ovaries and allow them to fall off. Surgery is not recommended for people who have had cancer in the past, or women who are extremely overweight.
Radical treatments, including radiation, may also be used. In addition to surgery, laser or photodynamic techniques may also be used to remove the tumor.
Surgery for benign tumors may include removing a part of the ovary. This method is most effective if it is a large one, but it does not always work.
Most people have a chance at living a long and healthy life with benign ovarian cancer. It is important to follow your doctor's advice, and discuss any treatment options with him or her.