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Tumors and cancer are still often considered the same. In fact, both are types of diseases that are similar but not the same.
The differences between tumors and cancer can be seen from the shape, nature, spread, effects to how to handle them. So knowing from the beginning about the differences between tumors and cancer is very important so that the treatment is appropriate.
What is a Tumor ?
A tumor is an abnormal tissue that results when cells divide more and faster than they should and become a lump. Tumors can vary in size from small to large lumps depending on the type. Tumors can appear in all parts of the body.
There are three types of tumors that need to be monitored because some are harmful to the body, what are they?
- Benign tumors: These tumors are not cancerous and do not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. If surgically removed, they generally do not return.
- Premalignant tumors: The tumor cells are not yet cancerous but have the potential to become malignant over time.
- Malignant tumors: These tumors are cancerous and the cells can grow and spread to other parts of the body.
What is Cancer ?
Cancer is an abnormal cell that grows in the body uncontrollably, going beyond its normal limits to invade parts of the body and spread to other organs. Malignant tumor and neoplasm are other names for cancer.
These cancers are generally categorized by specific cell types, including:
- Carcinoma: Cancer grows in the skin or tissues lining other organs.
- Sarcoma: Cancer of connective tissues such as bone, muscle, cartilage and blood vessels.
- Leukemia: Cancer of the bone marrow that produces blood cells.
- Lymphoma and myeloma: Cancers that attack the immune system.
The most common cancers affecting women include breast, lung, cervical, thyroid and colon cancer. While in men include lung, prostate, stomach, liver and colon cancer.
Difference between Tumor and Cancer
The following are the differences between tumors and cancer in terms of form, nature and treatment:
1. Shape
Both tumors and cancers are characterized by lumps. However, there are differences in their shape. Tumor lumps are smooth and regular in shape while cancer lumps are
2. Nature
The nature of tumors can be benign and malignant, while cancer is always malignant and endangers the health of the sufferer.
3. Causes
Tumors that appear due to excessive and uncontrolled cell addition have no known cause. Meanwhile, the cause of cancer is abnormal cell growth due to changes or mutations in genes in cells.
4. Speed of development
Tumors develop slowly, while cancer is very fast and can easily take nutrients from healthy cells.
5. Spread
Tumors only grow in one part of the body and do not spread to other parts. A fast-growing cancer, on the other hand, can invade other nearby organs or body parts. In a short time, cancer can spread to other parts of the body.
6. Effects
Benign tumors are not dangerous even though they must be watched out especially when they have made conditions such as the following:
- Pressing on nearby tissues, nerves or blood vessels.
- Taking up space in the brain.
- Causes damage.
- Causes excess hormone production.
Meanwhile, cancer is very dangerous to the life of the sufferer if left untreated. Cancer causes other healthy cells to become damaged which automatically makes them dysfunctional so that the organs become sick.
7. Prognosis
The prognosis for tumors and cancer is very different. Tumors are said to have a higher survival rate, while cancer has a higher mortality rate.
8. How to handle it
Tumors do not always require medical treatment because they are not life-threatening. Although some tumors need to be surgically removed, especially for tumors that are already large and disturbing.
Cancer, on the other hand, needs to be treated as early as possible because of its life-threatening nature. In the process, treatment options such as radiation therapy to chemotherapy are advised by specialists.
9. Risk of recurrence
Tumors after actions such as surgical removal usually will not appear again and are declared completely cured.
However, even though cancer is declared clean and cured, you still have to control and maintain a healthy lifestyle to avoid the risk of relapse. Because cancer can grow again at any time.
Can a tumor turn into cancer ?
Benign tumors rarely become cancerous. However, certain types of tumors can become cancerous if the abnormal cells continue to develop uncontrollably. For example, colon polyps can become cancerous if left untreated.
Tumors will also not always become cancerous, but being careful and taking early treatment such as checking with a doctor is much better so that the best action can be taken.
The doctor will detect whether it is a tumor or cancer through a series of tests, one of which is a biopsy, which takes tissue samples. A biopsy is the surest way to determine the status of a tumor whether it is benign or malignant.
Additional tests commonly performed also include blood tests, imaging tests (MRI or X-ray) which are used to determine the characteristics of the tumor.\
Thank you for reading this article. Have a nice day.
