What Is The Difference Between Tumor And Cancer?
What Is The Difference Between Tumor And Cancer?
Introduction
A possible confusion among a large number of people is the apprehension that every tumor is cancerous. This is a wrong perception, and the best explanation to clear this is – all cancers form tumors, but all tumors are not cancerous. Let us look at additional details to understand the difference between tumor and cancer.
What Is Cancer?
To understand the difference between tumor and cancer let us begin with a clear definition of cancer. This is a disease with a main characteristic of uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. This results in the formation of lumps that enter into surrounding tissues. There is a primary difference between cancerous cells and normal cells. The normal cells grow, divide, and die in a manner that is controlled or regulated, while cancer cells grow and multiply in an unregulated manner.
Main characteristics of cancer include the following:
- Uncontrolled growth.
- Invasion and metastasis.
- Different types and causes of cancer.
- Common and uncommon symptoms of cancer.
- Treatment options.
What Are Tumors?
As part of the understanding of the difference between tumor and cancer it is time to learn about tumors. These are essentially abnormal growths of cells that form lumps in the body. These are different from normal cell growth, as they start multiplying in an uncontrolled manner.
Tumors are of different types:
- Benign – These tumors are non-cancerous and grow slowly. They are not known to spread to other parts of the body. While most tumors are not a cause for concern, some benign tumors may trigger issues as a result of pressing against organs or nerves.
- Malignant – These tumors are cancerous and also grow quickly. They enter nearby tissues and organs, spreading to other areas of the body and this spreading to other areas is known as metastasis.
- Causes – The growth of tumors is due to various reasons, such as genetic mutations, exposure to harmful substances, radiation, or viruses.
- Symptoms – The symptoms of tumors vary and depend on the location. For instance, this could be in the form of visible lumps, pain, swelling, or pressure on nearby organs. In some instances, tumors may not exhibit any discernible symptoms, and can only be detected through examination including imaging studies.
- Treatment – Depends on the type and benign tumors are either monitored or surgically removed. Malignant tumors demand complex treatments including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapies.
What Is The Main Difference Tumor Cancer?
In continuation of gaining knowledge on the difference between tumor and cancer here is a quick look at tumor cancer. This refers to malignant tumors, that can spread to other parts of the body either through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
Symptoms of tumor cancer
Symptoms depend on the type, location, and stage of the cancer, with some of the common symptoms including the following:
- Lumps or swelling – This could be a visible lump beneath the skin that does not resolve.
- Sudden weight loss – Any major, unexplained weight loss is to be considered as a possible warning sign of one of many types of cancer.
- Tiredness – Extreme tiredness that does not resolve with rest could also be a symptom.
- Pain – When the tumors press on nerves or organs, pain that is persistent in nature could be experienced.
- Changes in skin – Changes such as darkening of the skin, reddish appearance, or unusual growths may be an indication.
- Bowel movements – There could be changes in bowel movements, or bladder, including diarrhea, constipation, or blood in the stool or urine.
- Persistent Cough or Hoarseness: A cough that doesn’t go away or changes in your voice could be a sign of lung or throat cancer.
- Other symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding, difficulty swallowing and prolonged fever or night sweats.
Is It Possible To Clearly Identify Or Distinguish Benign Tumors?
To learn more about the difference between tumor and cancer, here is information about clearly identifying or distinguishing benign tumors. It is often possible to identify benign tumors, through a thorough medical evaluation, as listed below:
- Medical imaging – X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and ultrasounds.
- Physical examination – Sensed as firm or soft during examination.
- Biopsy – A small sample of the tumor is analysed in the laboratory analysis.
- Growth pattern – Typically grow slowly and are localized.
- Symptoms – Do not usually cause any symptoms, especially when small and in non-critical areas.
Common types of benign tumors include lipomas, fibromas, adenomas, and myomas.
Is It Possible To Clearly Identify Malignant Tumors?
To learn more about the difference between tumor and cancer let us look at how to clearly identify malignant tumors. Various options exist to identify malignant tumors accurately, and involves a combination of medical imaging, laboratory tests, and clinical evaluations, as listed below:
- Medical imaging – CT scans for detailed cross-sectional images of the body that help identify abnormalities. MRI for highly detailed images of soft tissues to detect spread of tumor. PET Scans to map metabolic activity. X-rays and ultrasounds for initial insights.
- Biopsy – Regarded as the most reliable; where a small sample of the tumor is examined by a pathologist. Different types of biopsies include, needle biopsy, surgical biopsy, endoscopic biopsy.
- Blood tests – Look for tumor markers like PSA for prostate cancer or CA-125 for ovarian cancer. Complete Blood Count detects abnormalities that indicate blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma.
- Genetic and molecular testing – Involves testing the genetic material of the tumor to look for specific mutations linked to cancer.
Apart From Meeting A Cancer Specialist What Else Is To Be Done For Checking?
To conclude about the difference between tumor and cancer it is important to seek the services of a cancer specialist for diagnosis, treatment and follow up. Self-diagnosis or assumptions are the biggest obstacles to the right treatment. The services of specialists in Tamilnadu for cancer treatment include advanced genetic testing facilities that help to look for genetic mutations of different diseases. This involves providing samples to analyse for inherited conditions and genetic mutations that can indicate critical diseases.
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Shetty B s a cardiologist in Chennai, with extensive experience in the field. He completed his MBBS from Madurai Kamaraj University, followed by an MD in General Medicine and a DM in Cardiology from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (TNMGRMU).