Tumor Health Article

Definition

A tumor is an abnormal growth of body tissue. Tumors can be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign).

Alternative Names

Mass; Neoplasm

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

In general, tumors appear to occur when there is a problem with the dividing of cells in the body. Typically, the division of cells in the body is strictly controlled. New cells are created to replace older ones or to perform new functions. Cells that are damaged or no longer needed die to make room for healthy replacements.

If the balance of cell division and death is disturbed, a tumor may form.

Problems with the body's immune system can lead to tumors. Tobacco causes more deaths from cancer than any other environmental substance. Other causes include:

• Benzene and other chemicals and toxins
• Drinking excess alcohol
• Excessive sunlight exposure
• Genetic problems
• Inactivity (sedentary lifestyle)
• Obesity
• Radiation

Certain viruses can play a role in the development of tumors, such as cervical cancer (human papillomavirus) and hepatocellular carcinoma (hepatitis B virus).

Some tumors are more common in one gender than the other. Some are more common among children or the elderly. Others vary with diet, environment, and your family history.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the type and location of the tumor. For example, lung tumors may cause coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain, while tumors of the colon can cause weight loss, diarrhea, constipation, iron deficiency anemia, and blood in the stool.

Some tumors produce no symptoms, but symptoms that may occur with tumors include:

• Chills
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Malaise
• Night sweats
• Weight loss

Signs and tests

Like the symptoms, the signs of tumors vary based on their site and type.

When a tumor is found, a biopsy is performed to determine if the tumor is non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Depending on the location of the tumor, the biopsy may be a simple procedure or a serious operation.

Most patients with tumors undergo CT scans or MRI to determine the exact location of the tumor and how far it has spread. More recently, positron emission tomography (PET) scans have been used to find certain tumor types.

Other tests include:

• Biopsy of the tumor
• Blood chemistries
• Bone marrow biopsy (most often for lymphoma or leukemia)
• Chest x-ray
• Complete blood count (CBC)