I am wondering how an electron can gain and lose mass. What is the electron actually gaining and losing that causes its mass to change?

Specifically, my application is in an electron beam travelling from a cathode to an anode.

I am not a physicist or electrical engineer, so I am lacking some basic background knowledge. It's hard for me to understand how an electron, which is a fundamental particle that cannot be broken into anything smaller, can gain or lose mass.

I would very much appreciate any rudimentary explanations!

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