What Is a Cancerous Tumor?

A cancerous tumor results in different symptoms and presents unique challenges that a malignant and precancerous tumor does not. It is worth noting that not all types of cancer cause tumors. For example, leukemias and most lymphomas and myeloma cancers do not lead to tumors in many cases. This review discusses what a cancerous tumor is, highlighting its symptoms and treatment options.

Cancerous tumors: Definition, symptoms, treatments, and more

Cancerous tumors can be a serious concern, and it is important to visit a doctor if a patient has symptoms of a cancerous tumor or they are at a higher risk of having one. The following is a detailed review of cancerous tumors, including how they are defined, their risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options.

Cancerous tumor definition

A tumor is a mass of tissue that forms when abnormal cells accumulate. This can affect various parts of the body, including the bones, skin, tissues, and organs. There are different types of tumors, including cancerous (malignant), noncancerous (benign), and precancerous tumors.

A cancerous tumor occurs when cancer cells form together. This can lead to growth into nearby tissues and the travel of the cancer cells to lymph nodes and other parts of the body through the blood and lymphatic system. When cancer cells from the primary tumor spread and form new cancer tumors in other parts of the body, the new tumors are referred to as metastases (metastatic cancer).

The cause and risk factors of a cancerous tumor

Some people are more susceptible to cancer than others based on various risk factors, although the cause of cancer is not always possible to determine. In essence, cancer tumors form when new cells multiply at a faster rate than they should, resulting in them amassing and forming a tumor. The risk factors of cancerous tumors include:

• A family history of cancer
• Regularly smoking
• Exposure to toxins
• HPV and similar viruses
• Obesity

It is worth noting that cancerous tumors can form in individuals of any age, including children. Elderly individuals may be more susceptible to certain types of cancer.

The symptoms of a cancerous tumor

Symptoms are typically more severe with cancerous tumors than they are with noncancerous or precancerous tumors, especially if the cancer is in a late stage. Symptoms may also vary based on the location of the cancerous tumor(s). These can include:

• Fatigue
• Body aches
• Pain
• Fever
• Chills
• Weight loss
• Lack of appetite

Many are able to touch their tumors, which through the skin, feels like a mass or lump. Tumors relating to mouth cancer and breast cancer in particular can often be felt.

Cancerous tumor treatment options

The method of treating cancer tumors depends on the location of the tumor, the stage of the cancer, and the patient’s treatment preferences. Common cancer tumor treatment options include surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.

Surgery to remove the tumor

Removal of the tumor is often the first step in treating a cancerous tumor. This is typically the case if the tumor has not yet metastasized. But if the tumor has grown and the cancer has spread to other regions of the body, surgery may not be an effective treatment solution. Also, surgery for cancerous tumors is not usually a standalone treatment, and the patient may need chemotherapy (or an alternative therapy solution) along with surgery. But benign tumors may not need treatment or may only require surgery to remove it.

Chemotherapy and other therapies

Chemotherapy is used to shrink the tumor. This may be done in preparation for surgery or to destroy remaining cancerous cells after the surgical removal of the primary tumor. Along with chemotherapy (or as an alternative treatment solution), immunotherapy to help the immune system fight the cancer or radiation therapy (which destroys cancer cells) may be recommended. Targeted therapy to slow the rate of growth may also be recommended in certain instances.

Prevention and early detection

Those who are at a higher risk of cancerous tumors are encouraged to visit their doctor regularly for cancer screenings to allow for the earliest detection possible (or peace of mind if they do not have cancer).

Contact our practice for cancerous tumor diagnosis

If you have symptoms of a cancerous tumor, we encourage you to give us a call and schedule a visit. Early detection can help ensure that intervention is provided via treatment, giving you the best opportunity to overcome the cancer in a timely manner. So, why wait? Get in touch today by phone or message to schedule a visit.

Get more information here: https://lindenbergcancer.com or call Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center at (856) 475-0876

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