Thursday, February, 09, 2012

Tumor

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Mass; Neoplasm


Treatment

Treatment varies based on:

  • The type of tumor
  • Whether it is noncancerous or cancerous
  • 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 affect the function of the organ, sometimes no treatment is needed.

Sometimes benign tumors may be removed for cosmetic reasons, however. Benign tumors of the brain may be removed because of their location or harmful effect on the surrounding normal brain tissue.

If a tumor is cancerous, possible treatments include:

  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation
  • Surgery
  • A combination of these methods

If the cancer is in one location, the goal of treatment is usually to remove the tumor with surgery. 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 need a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Lymphoma (cancer of the lymph glands) is rarely treated with surgery. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are most often used for treating lymphoma.


Support Groups

A cancer diagnosis often causes a lot of anxiety and can affect a patient's entire life. There are many resources for cancer patients. See: Cancer resources


Expectations (prognosis)

The outlook varies greatly for different types of tumors. If the tumor is benign, the outlook is generally very good. However, there are some instances where a benign tumor can cause significant problems, such as in the brain.

If the tumor is malignant, the outcome depends on the type and 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 quickly life-threatening.


Complications

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


Calling your health care provider

Call your health care 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: 08/14/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)