What is the role of neoplasia in disease mechanisms?
Neoplasia refers to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells, leading to the formation of abnormal tissue masses called tumors. Tumors can be benign, meaning they do not invade surrounding tissues, or malignant, meaning they invade and spread to other parts of the body (metastasis). The study of histology is crucial in distinguishing between benign and malignant tumors. Malignant tumors often show increased cellular atypia, mitotic figures, and invasion into surrounding tissues.
