noun

neoplasm

/ˈniːoʊˌplæzəm/ · say it: NEE·oh·PLAZ·um

an abnormal growth of tissue; a tumor

In more detail

1. (noun) a new and abnormal growth of tissue in the body, usually a tumor that can be either benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous)

Examples

1. The doctor diagnosed a neoplasm in the patient's lung that required immediate treatment.

How to use neoplasm

Neoplasm is the formal medical and scientific term for any abnormal tissue growth, encompassing both benign and malignant tumors. It is used in clinical, pathological, and research contexts where precision is required. While 'tumor' can sometimes imply cancerous growth in everyday speech, neoplasm remains neutral on malignancy status.

Common phrases

benign neoplasm
malignant neoplasm
neoplastic tissue
neoplastic growth
neoplasm development

Synonyms

tumor · growth · malignancy · cancer · lesion

Word family

neoplastic (adjective) · neoplasia (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes assume neoplasm always refers to cancer, but it can describe any abnormal growth including non-cancerous tumors.

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