Both publicly and privately there seems to again be a need for this information due to confusion or lack of data so here are a few things to help. These are just a bit of info out there, but they form a good foundation from which to learn more using resources such as http://listserv.cuny.edu/archives/ferret-search.html, http://fhl.sonic-weasel, and the crit refs at http://www.ferretcongress.org >The thread on this is pretty good, and both Sukie and Stephanie have >very valid points. The terminology of neoplasms can be confusing, >and I'm sure even vets can be confused from time to time. > >The proper term for what you are talking about is neoplasm (or literally >"new growth). For one reason or another, a clone of cells begins to >grow uninhibited by normal substances or mechanisms. The word "tumor" >may be technically correct, but it is actually non- specific - tumor is >Latin for a swelling, but it could also be an abscess, or anything else >that causes swelling - so I try to stay away from it. > >Now this neoplasm may be benign - without the ability for cells to >detach into the bloodstream or lymph, move to another tissue, and set up >shop - or malignant (where they can do this.) The process of microscopic >piece of a tumor moving to another organ is called metastasis. > >Metastasis is the hallmark of malignancy. The worst tumors have the >propensity to go anywhere and start growing (like lymphoma). However, >we can recognize malignant tumors even before they metastasize, often >by characteristic features seen under the microscope. > >Adrenal carcinomas (malignant adrenal tumors) are interesting neoplasms. >Although they possess the ability to metastasize, only a small number do, >and usually only late in the course of disease. It is likely that they >do metastasize a lot, but have trouble gaining a foothold in distant >tissues, so it takes a long time and many attempts if they ever truly >metastasize. > >Insulinomas are generally not malignant tumors as they only very rarely >metastasize. The presence of multiple tumors in the same organ over time >is not metastasis. We do not understand the mechanism behind the >generation of these tumors, and when we do surgery to remove them, we >really are only treating the end point of this process, without address >the cause. Thus it is really no surprise that the rate of recurrence is >about 40% within 10 months. > >With kindest regards, >Bruce Williams, DVM [Posted in FML issue 4266]