Definitions

As in all other areas of the viva examinations, knowing basic definitions gives you an easy starting point when answering questions and gives the impression to the examiners that you have both a logical and clear thought process, and are in command of the subject matter.

Neoplasm/tumour: A growth or swelling, which enlarges by cellular proliferation more rapidly than surrounding normal tissue and continues to enlarge after the initiating stimuli cease. Usually lacks structural organization and functional coordination with normal tissues and serves no useful purpose to the host.

Malignant tumour: Malignant tumours have a predisposition to invasive and destructive local growth, and to distant metastasis usually via the vascular or lymphatic systems.

Benign tumour: Benign tumours do not metastasize, but can still exhibit locally aggressive behaviour.

Sarcoma: A diverse and rare group of malignant tumours of mesenchymal/connective tissue origin. Tumours of peripheral nerves are often included in this group.