Cancer Tumor

A cancer tumor refers to a swelling or lesion formed by an abnormal growth of cells termed as neoplastic. The term tumor is not synonymous with cancer because a tumor can be benign, pre-malignant or malignant whereas by definition cancer is malignant.

A neoplasm refers to an abnormal proliferation of tissues and is usually caused by genetic mutations. Most neoplasms cause tumors with exceptions of leukemia. Tumors may be benign, pre-malignant or malignant and their nature is determined by a pathologist who examines the tumor tissues from a biopsy or a surgical excision specimen.

Tumor growth is a stepwise progression. Hyperplasia is where the altered cell divides in an uncontrolled manner causing an excess of cells in the affected region of the tissue. Dysplasia is where additional genetic changes to the hyperplasic cells take place leading to more abnormal growth. In carcinoma in situ, more changes take place making the cells appear more abnormal. In this stage, the cells are usually spread over a larger area and the region of the tissue affected normally contains altered cells.

A malignant cancer tumor has the potential to attack the surrounding tissues. A malignant tumor has the ability to spread or metastasize to other parts of the body. Metastatic tumors are very dangerous and account for a very big percentage of cancer related deaths. Benign tumors do not spread or metastasize. They cannot spread beyond the area of origin and are therefore considered non-cancerous. Although benign tumors are not considered dangerous, they can pose serious health problems.


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