Many people consider the terms tumor and cancer to be interchangeable; but, they are not. Although tumors can be cancerous, not all of them are. Likewise, not all cancers form a tumor. For example leukemia (blood cancer), types of lymphoma, and myeloma.
A tumor, in Latin, simply means “swelling”. A tumor is a mass of abnormal cells or tissue in the body. Sometimes they are also termed “lump”, “mass”, “lesion”, “growth”, or “neoplasm”. When cells divide more quickly than usual or fail to die when they should, a tumor develops. Tumors can be either benign or malignant.
Benign tumors are noncancerous; they do not invade (eat away into normal tissues) or spread to other parts of the body. To know more, book an appointment at our cancer care hospital in Millers Road, Bangalore.
Malignant tumors are cancerous. They can invade into surrounding tissues, or spread to other parts of the body and ultimately become fatal. There are more than 100 types of cancer which are usually named for the organs or tissues where the cancers form, for example, breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, or skin cancer. Cancer can also be described by the type of cell that became malignant. For example, adenocarcinoma forms in cells that make up glands. A sarcoma forms in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue.
When cancer cells separate from a malignant tumor and enter the lymphatic or blood systems, the process is called metastasis. When cancer cells metastasize, they can settle in other organs. The place where the cancer cells first form is called the primary site. Metastasis to a new location is called a secondary site.
Differences between Benign Tumors & Malignant Tumors (Cancer)
It is important to be aware of the difference between a benign tumor and a malignant tumor (cancer). Some major differences are as follows:
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Benign tumors grow slowly; malignant tumors (cancers) grow rapidly.
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Benign tumors don’t spread to other parts of the body, but malignant tumors can invade nearby tissues and cells and spread to distant organs.
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Benign tumors are rarely life-threatening, and very often don’t have any significant health risks. Cancerous tumors can be potentially lethal.
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Benign tumors usually don’t recur, whereas cancers have a higher chance of coming back.
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Treatment of Benign tumors is usually simple, and sometimes not even required. Treatment for cancers can be complex and may involve surgery, radiotherapy, or systemic therapy (eg chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy). Depending on the type and stage of cancer, some cancers may require a single treatment (eg surgery alone or radiation alone), or a combination of treatments.
Often, a simple physical examination by an experienced doctor can determine whether a tumor is benign or malignant. Sometimes an oncologist may require further tests (Scans and/or biopsy) to distinguish between the two. Thus, it is suggested that people seek confirmation by meeting their doctor and not live with assumptions. Consult with our cancer care specialists in Bangalore to know about the best treatment procedures.
Please book an appointment at Manipal Hospital Miller’s Road to consult with a Consultant Oncologist if you’re experiencing any warning signs of cancer, such as a growing lump, a sore that does not heal, abnormal bleeding or discharge, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or persistent nagging cough.
Consultant - Surgical Oncology
Manipal Hospitals, Millers Road, Bangalore
