Tumorous: meaning, definitions and examples
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tumorous
[ ˈtjuː.mə.rəs ]
medical condition
Tumorous refers to the presence of a tumor or tumors in the body. It can describe tissues that are abnormal and growing uncontrollably, which may be benign or malignant. The term is often used in medical diagnoses to indicate the presence of cancerous or non-cancerous growths.
Synonyms
benign, cancerous, malignant, neoplastic.
Examples of usage
- The biopsy revealed a tumorous growth.
- She was diagnosed with a tumorous mass in her lungs.
- The doctor explained the tumorous nature of the cells found in the test.
- MRI scans showed tumorous developments in the brain.
Etymology
The word 'tumorous' is derived from the Latin word 'tumor', which means 'swelling' or 'lump'. The Latin root is from 'tumere', meaning 'to swell'. The term has been used in medical contexts since the late 19th century to describe both benign and malignant growths in various tissues. It reflects the biological process of abnormal tissue proliferation, which can manifest in various forms depending on the type of cells involved and their environment. Over the years, as medical understanding has evolved, the term has become central in oncology, particularly in the classification and diagnosis of cancer. The precision of the term has helped doctors communicate effectively about patient conditions and treatment plans.