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OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

Tumor

Alternative Names:
Mass; Neoplasm

Treatment:

Treatment also varies based on the type of tumor, whether it is benign or malignant, and its location. If the tumor is benign (meaning it has no potential to spread) and is located in a "safe" area where it will not cause symptoms or disturb the proper functioning of the organ, sometimes no treatment is needed. Sometimes benign tumors may be removed for cosmetic reasons, however.

If a tumor is malignant, treatments include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of these methods.

If the cancer is confined to one location, the goal of treatment is usually surgical removal of the tumor and cure. If the tumor has spread to local lymph nodes only, sometimes these can also be removed. If all of the cancer cannot be removed with surgery, the options for treatment include radiation and chemotherapy, or both. Some patients require a combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

In contrast, lymphoma is usually not treated with surgery and chemotherapy; radiation therapy may be the treatment of choice.



Support Groups:
The diagnosis of cancer often causes a lot of anxiety and can affect one's entire life. There are numerous support groups for cancer patients, see cancer - support group. While some research suggests that support group participation can increase survival time, other studies have not replicated this so patients should decide on whether to use support groups, depending on their own needs and preferences.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outlook varies widely among different types of tumor. If the tumor is benign, the prognosis is generally very good. There are some instances where a benign tumor can cause significant problems, however (e.g., in the brain).

If the tumor is malignant, the outcome varies depending on the stage of the tumor at diagnosis. Some cancers can be cured. Some that are not curable can still be treated and patients can live for many years with the cancer. Still other tumors are rapidly fatal.



Complications:
Complications can occur if a tumor is located in a region of the body where it compromises the function of the normal organ. If the tumor is malignant, it can also cause complications if it spreads or metastasizes.

Calling your health care provider:
Call your healthcare provider if you notice any suspicious lumps or bumps on your body or if you notice a new or changing mole on your skin.

Review Date: 11/7/2002
Reviewed By: Ezra E. W. Cohen, M.D., Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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