Neoplasm of uncertain behavior is a diagnosis that is legitimate because there is documentation on the type of tumor discovered and the behavior of the tumor can be ascertained.
It may sometimes be mistaken for a Neoplasm of unspecified behavior that involves a diagnosis of a medical condition without being able to ascertain its potential to spread.
That being the case, a doctor will need more information in order to be able to determine if the discovered neoplasm is benign or malignant.
What is Neoplasm?
A skin neoplasm can be described as an unusual growth that occurs on the skin.
The term is often associated with cancer and in some cases, noncancerous conditions.
Generally, the term neoplasm is used along with side tumors such as tumors of the lungs, ovary, bladder, breast, colon, brain, and spinal cord, amongst others.
What Causes Neoplasm?
As we live every day, our skin cells grow and divide to form new cells as they are needed.
When these cells are no longer needed, they die off even though there are cases where their replication is more than needed which causes neoplasms.
What Does Neoplasm of Uncertain Behavior Mean?
Neoplasm of uncertain behavior is a term used when there are uncertainties about whether the spot on the skin could be cancer or not.
The suspicion that it is cancer in the first place is because there is a skin cancer called Squamous Cell Carcinoma which is usually accompanied by red or pink warts, especially in adults.
They may just be as dangerous, but they are less likely to penetrate the body in order to cause damage.
Nonetheless, if they go untreated, they can increase in size and even cause problems in the long run.
In a bid to determine if it is Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a biopsy is carried out to know what type it is, and how deep it has gone.
The biopsy involves taking a small tissue from an affected area in your body and then carrying out a test.
Depending on the outcome of the result, a special procedure is carried out in order to remove it.
That being the case, if you have concerns about pimples that won’t just go away, then you need to see a dermatologist.
The three main types of skin biopsy are:
- Punch biopsy: A circular tool is used to remove a circular piece on the top and deeper layers of the skin
- Shave biopsy: A small blade is used to remove the top layer of the skin
- Excisional biopsy: A small knife is used to remove the growth and a small layer of skin around the growth
Each of these samples can be sent to the laboratory by the dermatologist where it will be examined for cancer.
Classification of Neoplasm of Uncertain Behavior
There are two major classifications of Neoplasm and these are Benign and malignant neoplasms.
Let’s take a quick look at each:
1. Benign Neoplasms:
This is a type of neoplasm that starts gradually and does not spread to other parts or tissues of the body.
There is the problem that it can damage organs and the tissues surrounding it.
Another bone of contention is that they can turn into cancer despite the diagnosis that they are benign neoplasms.
Your best bet is to consult a doctor for treatment if you notice them on your skin.
The types of benign skin neoplasms are:
- Skin tags
- Lipoma
- Epidermoid cyst
- Cherry angioma
- Dermatofibroma
- Keratoacanthoma
- Seborrheic keratosis
- Pyogenic granuloma
- Sebaceous hyperplasia
2. Malignant neoplasms:
Unlike benign neoplasms, the malignant neoplasm is cancerous and can grow speedily to invade other organs of the body.
They can move throughout the body to form tumors in other parts.
The types of malignant skin neoplasms are:
- Melanoma
- Kaposi sarcoma
- Basal cell carcinoma
- Merkel cell carcinoma
- lymphoma of the skin
- Squamous cell carcinoma
What About Precancerous Neoplasms?
There are neoplasms that are precancerous and this means the neoplasm could turn into cancer if it goes untreated.
Needless to say, the growth made disappear on its own, but there are cases where they may not which may need immediate attention.
Check Yourself for Signs of Growth on Skin
Your best bet is to examine yourself on a regular basis by checking your skin for any growth.
If you find them, then you need to seek the advice of your doctor or any other medical professional.
Stand in front of the mirror and make some examinations including areas that may be too hard to see including your back and back of your feet.
A better approach to examining yourself is to follow an ABCDE method designed to detect melanoma, a deadly skin cancer.
The method involves:
- Asymmetry: The shape of the mole differs on one side from the other
- Borders: The moles’ edges are uneven.
- Color: The mole has several colors and different shades
- Diameter: The mole has a size of about ¼ inch almost equivalent to that of a pencil’s eraser
- Evolving: The mole keeps changing in shape, size, and color
What To Do If You Find a New Growth in Your Skin?
If there is new growth on your skin, it is advisable to get an appointment with your dermatologist who is in the right position to carry out a diagnosis and make recommendations where necessary.
You will be asked about personal issues such as your family’s medical history and lifestyle in a bid to ascertain the risk level of the tumor.
Your part here is to be as truthful as you can be and give correct answers which could potentially help them to fight the tumor.
FAQ On Neoplasm Of Uncertain Behavior
Here are some frequently asked questions on the neoplasm of uncertain behavior.
Is neoplasm the same as cancer?
A neoplasm is an abnormal growth of tissue that can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
When do you use neoplasm of uncertain behavior?
This diagnosis is only used after your doctor has conducted a biopsy and sent the sample to a pathologist for examination.
What is a neoplasm of uncertain behavior of the thyroid gland?
Thyroid tumors include a heterogeneous group of entities with variable clinical behavior and histology, mostly classified as benign or malignant.
Neoplasm of uncertain or unknown behavior in the thyroid gland was newly adopted by the 2017 edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of endocrine organs.
Is neoplasm serious?
A neoplasm is an abnormal growth of cells in the body, also described as a tumor. A neoplasm can be a small growth, such as a mole, or a cancerous or pre-cancerous tumor. Most of the time, neoplasms are not dangerous to your health, but they can be.
How do you treat neoplasm?
The following treatment options may be used alone or in combination to treat tumors:
- Surgery.
- Chemotherapy.
- Radiation Therapy.
- Ablation.
- Embolization.
- Hormonal Therapy.
- Immunotherapy.
Conclusion:
A neoplasm of uncertain behavior can help to ascertain if the mole you have or the tumor can lead to long-term problems.
A professional can recommend treatment whether the problem is stemming from the bladder, breast, colon, thyroid gland, brain, or kidney.
Whichever is the case, stay safe by checking yourself regularly in the mirror for any growth and also get checked medically.