Being diagnosed with a tumor is never an easy thing for anyone. There’s no such thing as a “good tumor.” They’re basically a mass of mutated cells that will only cause pain, discomfort, and even disfigurement. However, not all tumors are the same. Some of them can be benign, while others are malignant. Read on to learn more about the difference between a benign and malignant tumor.
What is a Tumor?
Before we explain the difference between a benign and malignant tumor, let’s take a step back and establish the nature of tumors in general. A tumor is basically an abnormal mass of cells that grows out of control.
The cells can be from any part of the body, such as the lungs, brain, skin, or eyes. It is usually formed to replace a normal organ or tissue. Cells mutate and become tumors due to a malfunction in the cells’ DNA. This process is known as neoplasia. Once the tumor has formed, it can either be benign or malignant.
Benign Tumors: Noncancerous
A benign tumor is the less serious of the two and does not tend to spread to other parts of the body. They are usually slow-growing and harmless, usually not requiring any form of treatment.
The majority of benign tumors can be removed by surgery, and the patient will recover with no problems. However, they can become cancerous later on.
While benign tumors aren’t cancerous, they can still become quite problematic, especially if they’re:
- Causing damage to organs and tissue
- Pressing on nearby tissues, nerves, or blood vessels
This is why it is important to keep an eye on benign tumors. If you’ve been diagnosed with a benign tumor and notice any changes in its size, shape, or color, it may be time to get it checked out by a doctor.
Malignant Tumors: Cancerous
The opposite of a benign tumor is a malignant tumor. They are cancerous and tend to spread and grow uncontrollably. This makes them extremely dangerous and can even be fatal to the patient unless they can treat the cancer. Malignant tumors can even spread from the primary site of the tumor to other parts of the body, including the brain and blood.
It is important to catch these in their early phase so they can be treated and removed before they spread to other areas of the body.
Malignant tumors can be treated using chemotherapy and radiation. They can also be removed using surgery and other procedures.
However, doctors can only remove the tumor but not the cancer itself. This is why patients with cancer and tumors should always be monitored by a doctor.
Understanding Cancer Prognosis
Prognosis is the likelihood of a person recovering from a disease and how they will recuperate. It is important to understand the prognosis of benign and malignant ѕtаgеѕ оf a tumor because it can sometimes be difficult to recognize the difference between the two types.
Doctors use the terms “benign tumors” and “malignant tumors” to classify a tumor depending on how the tumor has progressed and how the patient responds to treatment.
This can be difficult because some benign tumors become cancerous, while malignant tumors can sometimes become benign. It all depends on the treatment the patient undergoes.
How CBS Can Help
There are a wide variety of different types of tumors, and they can be either benign or malignant. Treatment depends on the type of tumor and how advanced it is. It is important to consult a doctor if you’ve been diagnosed with a tumor or if you’ve noticed changes in the symptoms.
Don’t let a tumor or any other health condition get the best of you. Take control of your life through early detection with the help of Craft Body Scan. Whether you need a colon or heart scan, or even a full-body scan, our team will help you detect signs of abnormalities or symptoms.
While CBS cannot diagnose you with any conditions, we’re the first step to letting you know how your health and wellness is looking.
