Tumors and CancerBy: Scott Bronson

Benign Tumors: A tumor that does not metastasize or invade and destroy adjacent normal tissue

Malignant Tumors: A tumor that invades surrounding tissues, usually capable of producing metastases, may recur, likely to cause death unless treated.

Definitions

Noncancerous growths in body.

Doesn’t spread to other parts of the body.

(most growths in body are benign)

Benign Tumors

Cause for growth may vary, process by which they grow is the same.

Cells refresh themselves by dividing, allowing dead cells to be disposed of naturally.

In case of tumor, cells may remain behind and form a growth.

Causes

Not all tumors show symptoms. Depending on location, symptoms can

affect function of important organs or senses.-ex. Benign brain tumor may experience headaches, vision troubles, and fuzzy memory.

Symptoms

Chills Discomfort Fatigue Fever Loss of appetite Night sweats Weight loss

Symptoms may include:

Key to diagnosis is determining if tumor is benign or malignant.

Can only be determined with certainty through tests in a laboratory.

Diagnosis

Imaging gives the best view of the inside of your body.

Imaging tests include:-Ultrasound-CT scan-X-rays-Magnetic resonance

imaging

Imaging

Small sample of tissue to be sent to the laboratory to be examined under microscope

Lab determines if cancerous or benign

Biopsy

Not all benign tumors need treatment If small and not causing symptoms, doctor

may recommend a watch-and-wait approach.

In these cases, treatment could be more risky then letting the tumor be.

Treatment

Tumors may be removed for cosmetic reasons. Ex. On face or neck.

Tumors that affect organs, nerves, or blood vessels are commonly removed to prevent further problems.

Treatment

Endoscopic (small surgical incisions) Radiation Therapy

Surgery

Many benign tumors can be left alone if they show no symptoms

If you don’t have it removed, doctor may have you come in for routine examinations

Living with Benign Tumor

Differences Between

BENIGN MALIGNANT

Mobile Mass Smooth and Round Cells Multiply Slowly Tumor grows by

expanding and pushing tissue

Not attached to surrounding tissue

Doesn’t Spread Easier to remove

Fixed Mass Irregular Cells Multiply Rapidly Tumor grows by

invading and destroying tissue

Attached to surrounding tissue

Spread if not destroyed

Difficult to remove and recurs after excision

Cancer cells are different:- Irregular size and shape of cell and nucleus- Malignant cells stain differently under

microscope- Chromatin within nuclei clump irregularly- Malignant cells don’t stick together as well- Malignant cells are compacted within a

smaller area

Malignancy

1. Skin Cancer2. Lung Cancer3. Breast Cancer4. Prostate Cancer5. Colorectal Cancer6. Bladder Cancer7. Melanoma (another type of skin)8. Lymphoma (white blood cells)9. Kidney Cancer10. Leukemia (blood cancer)

Top 10 Cancers in America

Chemical Carcinogens- ex. Tobacco, workplace chemicals Age Lifestyle Factors- Risk of developing cancer is increased by

obesity, little exercise, drinking alcohol, and eating lots of red meat

What Causes Cancer

Radiation- Too much sun exposure Infection-Hepatitis B/Hepatitis C, more prone to Liver Immune System-Aids Genetic Make-up MOST CAUSES ARE A COMBINATION OF THE

ABOVE

What Causes Cancer

7 Ways to Prevent Cancer

1. Don’t Use Tobacco

Plenty of fruit and vegetables Limit fat intake If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation

2. Eat a Healthy Diet

3. Maintain Healthy Weight and be Physically Active

Avoid midday sun Stay in the shade Cover exposed areas Don’t skimp on sunscreen Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps

4. Protect Yourself from the Sun

Hepatitis B Human papillomavirus (HPV)

5. Get Immunized

Practice safe sex Don’t share needles

6. Avoid Risky Behaviors

7. Get Regular Medical Care

www.dictionary.reference.com www.healthline.com www.healthhype.com www.everydayhealth.com www.mayoclinic.org www.patient.co.uk

References