🎗️ Tumors
A tumor is an abnormal growth of cells that can occur anywhere in the body. Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
🧬 Types of Tumors:
- Benign tumors:
- Grow slowly
- Do not spread to other parts of the body
- Usually not life-threatening but can cause problems if pressing on organs
- Malignant tumors (cancers):
- Grow uncontrollably and invade nearby tissues
- Can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body
- Potentially life-threatening
🩺 Symptoms:
- Depend on the tumor’s location and size
- Common signs include:
- A lump or swelling
- Pain or discomfort
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Changes in organ function (e.g., difficulty breathing, bowel changes)
🔍 Diagnosis:
- Physical examination
- Imaging tests (X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound)
- Biopsy to examine cells under a microscope
- Blood tests and tumor markers
💊 Treatment:
- Benign tumors: May only require monitoring or surgical removal
- Malignant tumors:
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy or immunotherapy