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2) What exactly is pancreatic cancer?
The word cancer is derived from the Latin word for crab because it grabs onto something and will not let go. The term cancer refers to a new growth which will invade surrounding tissues, metastasize (spread to other organs) and may eventually lead to the patient's death if untreated.
We often hear about cancer from friends and family and in the news. The terms tumor and cancer are sometimes used synonymously which can be misleading. A tumor is not necessarily a cancer. The word tumor simply refers to a mass. For example, a collection of pus is by definition a tumor. A cancer is a particularly threatening type of tumor. It is helpful to keep these distinctions clear when discussing a possible cancer diagnosis.
neoplasm- An abnormal new growth of tissue that grows more rapidly than normal cells and will continue to grow if not treated. These growths will compete with normal cells for nutrients. This is a non-specific term that can refer to benign or malignant growths. A synonym for tumor.
tumor- The more commonly used term for a neoplasm. The word tumor simply refers to a mass. This is a general term that can refer to benign or malignant growths.
benign tumor- A non-malignant/non-cancerous tumor. A benign tumor is usually localized, rarely spreads to other parts of the body and responds well to treatment. However, if left untreated, benign tumors can lead to serious disease.
malignant tumor- Cancer. A malignant tumor is resistant to treatment, may spread to other parts of the body and often recurs after removal.
cancer- A malignant tumor (a malignant neoplasm.)
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