Tumour

Tumour (or tumor) is an abnormal growth of cells that serves no purpose. A benign tumor is not a malignant tumor, which is cancer. It does not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body the way cancer can. In most cases, the outlook with benign tumors is very good. But benign tumors can be serious if they press on vital structures such as blood vessels or nerves. Therefore, sometimes they require treatment and other times they do not.

Types of Tumours

Tumours can be classified into two main types: malignant and benign.

Malignant Tumours

Malignant tumours are cancerous growths. They are often resistant to treatment, may spread to other parts of the body and they sometimes recur after they were removed.

Benign Tumours

Benign tumours are not cancerous and restricted to one place. They are usually removed and do not recur.

Causes of Tumours

The exact causes of tumours are not completely understood, but they are thought to occur when the body's normal control mechanisms stop working. Old cells do not die and instead form a mass of tissue called a tumour.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a tumour usually involves imaging tests, laboratory tests, and biopsy.

Treatment

Treatment options for tumours include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The choice of treatment depends largely on the type of tumour, its stage, and its location in the body.

See Also

• Cancer
• Benign tumor
• Malignant tumor
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy

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