Which term describes an abnormal growth in tissue that can be benign or invasive?

The correct term for an abnormal growth in tissue that can be either benign or invasive is neoplasm. This term is widely used in the medical field to refer to any new and abnormal growth of tissue, which can arise from a variety of cellular changes. Neoplasms are characterized by uncontrolled and excessive cell division and can be classified into benign tumors, which do not invade surrounding tissues or spread, and malignant tumors, which are invasive and can metastasize.

Carcinoma specifically refers to a type of cancer that arises from epithelial cells, so it does not encompass benign growths. A lesion is a more general term that refers to any abnormal tissue change, which could include various conditions, not specifically tied to the nature of the growth as benign or malignant. Adenoma describes a benign tumor formed from glandular tissue but does not include the broader range of potential growth types as neoplasm does. Thus, neoplasm is the term that encompasses all types of abnormal tissue growths, making it the most accurate choice for this question.