Why Do Malignant Tumors Grow Faster Than Benign Ones?

Malignant Neoplasm

Write a short note on malignant neoplasm.
Answer:

The characteristics of malignancy are as follows:

1. Rate of growth.
2. Clinical and gross features
3. Microscopic features
4. Local invasion or direct spread
5. Metastasis or distant spread.

Why do malignant tumors grow faster

“Understanding the difference between malignant and benign tumors”

Malignant neoplasm Rate of Growth

In general malignant neoplasm grow rapidly. The malignant tumor cells have an increased mitotic rate and slower death rate, i.e. cancer cells do not follow normal control in the cell cycle and are immortal.

Secondly, the rate of growth of malignant tumors is directly proportional to the degree of differentiation. Malignant tumors grow in size because cell production exceeds cell loss.

Characteristics of malignant tumors

“Impact of tumor suppressor genes on benign tumor behavior”

Malignant Neoplasm Clinical and Gross Features

The malignant tumors are irregular in shape, poorly circumscribed, and extend into adjacent tissue. Secondary changes like hemorrhage, infarction, and ulceration are seen more often.

Difference between malignant and benign tumors

Malignant neoplasm Microscopic Features

• The malignant tumors have a poor resemblance to their origin.
• Basal polarity is lost.
• Pleomorphism is present.
• The nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio is increased.
• Anisonucleosis is generally present.
• Tumor giant cells are present with nuclear atypia.

“Case studies on malignant vs benign tumor growth outcomes”

Malignant neoplasm Local Invasion

Tumors invade via routes of least resistance eventually most cancers recognize no anatomic boundaries. The cancers extend through tissue space, permeate lymphatics, blood vessels, and perineural spaces, and may penetrate the bone by going through nutrient foramina.

Characteristics of malignant tumors

“Global prevalence of malignant tumors compared to benign ones”

Malignant neoplasm Metastasis or Distant Spread

• Lymphatic spread: In general carcinomas metastasize by lymphatic route. Virchow’s lymph node is nodal metastasis to the supraclavicular lymph node from cancers of the abdominal organ.
• Hematogenous spread: It is a common root for sarcomas but certain carcinomas are also spread by this mode. The common sites are the lung, breast, thyroid, kidney, liver, prostate, and ovary.
• Spread along body cavities and natural passages: the routes of distant spread are trans coelom, epithelial lined surfaces, CSF, and implantation.