Which term describes both a potential threat and a form of tissue growth?

Neoplasm is the term that accurately describes both a potential threat and a form of tissue growth. A neoplasm refers to an abnormal growth of tissue, which can occur when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should. This can result in a tumor, which may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The malignant form poses a significant threat to health, as it can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

In contrast, necrosis refers to the death of cells or tissues in the body, often due to injury or lack of blood supply, and it does not signify growth. Cancer, while it can be associated with neoplasms, is a broader term generally referring to a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell division and can often lead to neoplasms. Fibrosis involves the formation of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ or tissue, usually as a reparative or reactive process, but it does not imply the same potential threat as a neoplasm or describe a form of abnormal growth in the same way that neoplasms do.