Tumours

Tumour
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Lump, pain, bleeding
Complications	Metastasis, compression of nearby structures
Onset	Varies
Duration	Varies
Types	N/A
Causes	Genetic mutations, environmental factors
Risks	Smoking, radiation exposure, family history
Diagnosis	Biopsy, imaging studies
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Depends on type and stage
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

A tumour (or tumor) is an abnormal growth of tissue that can occur in any part of the body. Tumours can be classified as benign, premalignant, or malignant.

Types of Tumours

Benign Tumours

Benign tumours are non-cancerous growths that do not spread to other parts of the body. They can, however, cause problems by compressing nearby structures. Examples include lipoma, fibroma, and adenoma.

Premalignant Tumours

Premalignant tumours have the potential to become cancerous if not treated. Examples include actinic keratosis and cervical dysplasia.

Malignant Tumours

Malignant tumours are cancerous and have the ability to invade nearby tissues and spread to distant parts of the body (metastasis). Examples include carcinoma, sarcoma, and lymphoma.

Causes

Tumours can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic mutations, environmental exposures, and lifestyle factors. Common risk factors include smoking, radiation exposure, and a family history of cancer.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a tumour typically involves a combination of imaging studies such as CT scan or MRI, and a biopsy to examine the tissue under a microscope.

Treatment

Treatment options for tumours depend on the type and stage of the tumour. Common treatments include:

• Surgery to remove the tumour
• Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells
• Radiation therapy to destroy cancerous tissue

Prognosis

The prognosis for a person with a tumour depends on various factors, including the type of tumour, its location, and whether it has spread. Early detection and treatment generally improve the prognosis.

See Also

• Cancer
• Oncology
• Metastasis

References

Classification
External resources