TUMOR: ANY abnormal mass resulting from the excessive multiplication
of cells; a swelling, especially that resulting from the growth of new
tissue; a neoplasm
 
CANCER: Any MALIGNANT tumor; carcinoma; a carcinoma or sarcoma
 
MALIGNANT: pertaining to or denoting progressive growth of CERTAIN
tumors which if not checked by treatment spread to DISTANT SITES,
terminating in death; a tendency to progress in virulence, cancer
is the best known example
 
BENIGN: not malignant, as in CERTAIN tumors; not recurrent, favorable
for recovery
 
NEOPLASM: a tumor; ANY new growth, specifically one in which cell
multiplication is uncontrolled and progressive, neoplasms may be
benign or malignant
 
(Subsets from Saunders:
 
NEOPLASM, BENIGN: a neoplasm having none of the characteristics of a
malignant neoplasm (see below), i.e.it grows SLOWLY, expands WITHOUT
METASTASIS, and USUALLY does not reoccur [See the notes of Dr. Bruce
Williams above in relation to why LOCAL reoccurance is NOT metastasis.]
 
NEOPLASM, MALIGNANT: a neoplasm with the characteristics of
ANAPLASIA, INVASIVENESS,  and METASTASIS
 
There are several other subsets of neoplasia in this dictionary.
 
METASTASIS: the transfer or disease from one organ or part to another
NOT DIRECTLY CONNECTED WITH IT
 
ANAPLASIA: LOSS OF DIFFERENTIATION of cells
 
Those who have the _Saunder's Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary_ will
find that this resource often provides details beyond these bare-bones
descriptions, (though certainly there also will be nuances in practise
that those of us who are not medical professionals simply won't
understand).  It is a marvelous resource; I love it.  If I had a rating
for refs around here it would be among the best buys.  It's better than
any of my other medical dictionaries, even for sorting through things
too technical for me in the _PDR_ books on herbs and on supplements that
i have at home.  Marvelous book: clearly written and very inclusive;
more than worth what it cost.
 
-- Sukie (not a vet)
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[Posted in FML issue 4930]