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A tumor is an abnormal growth of body tissue. Tumors can be cancerous (malignant) or
noncancerous (benign).

  

In general, tumors occur when cells divide excessively in the body. Typically, cell division is strictly
controlled. New cells are created to replace older ones or to perform new functions. Cells that are
damaged or no longer needed die to make room for healthy replacements.
If the balance of cell division and death is disturbed, a tumor may form.
Problems with the body's immune system can lead to tumors. Tobacco causes more deaths from
cancer than any other environmental substance. Other causes include:
˜p enzene and other chemicals and toxins
˜p Grinking too much alcohol
˜p ‘nvironmental toxins, such as certain poisonous mushrooms and a type of poison that can
grow on peanut plants (aflatoxins)
˜p ‘xcessive sunlight exposure
˜p Yenetic problems
˜p Obesity
˜p Êadiation
˜p ^iruses
Types of tumors known to be caused by viruses are:
˜p Cervical cancer (human papillomavirus)
˜p uepatocellular carcinoma (hepatitis  virus)
Some tumors are more common in one gender than the other. Some are more common among
children or the elderly. Others are related to diet, environment, and family history.
Lymphoma (cancer of the lymph glands) is rarely treated with surgery. Chemotherapy and
radiation therapy are most often used for treating lymphoma.
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£ou can reduce the risk of cancerous (malignant) tumors by:

˜p ‘ating a healthy diet
˜p ‘xercising regularly
˜p Limiting alcohol
˜p aaintaining a healthy weight
 ˜p ainimizing exposure to radiation and toxic chemicals
˜p Not smoking or chewing tobacco
˜p Êeducing sun exposure, especially if you burn easily
 

1.p aoscow JA, Cowan Ku. iology of cancer. In: Yoldman L, Ausiello G, eds. ?
 
 .
23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders ‘lsevier;2007:chap 187.
Êeview Gate: 8/14/2010.
Êeviewed by: Gavid C. Gugdale, III, aG, Professor of aedicine, Givision of Yeneral aedicine,
Gepartment of aedicine, University of Washington School of aedicine. Also reviewed by
Gavid Zieve, aG, auA, aedical Girector, A.G.A.a., Inc.

A.G.A.a., Gisclaimer
Copyright © 2011, A.G.A.a., Inc.
CAUTION US

 - Changes in bathroom habits. This can be anything from changes in the bowel movements
(watery or too hard) to frequency (going more often or infrequently). Any long term changes in
bathroom habits should be told to your doctor.

- A sore that does not heal. This can also be a sign of diabetes, but sores that do not heal within a
usual amount of time need to be checked.

- Unusual discharge and bleeding. aoles and freckles should not bleed or drain. Other unusual
draining issues should be checked out as well.

- Thickness or lumps in the breast or other places. reast lumps can be cysts that are normal in
the course of your menstrual cycle, or they can be the beginnings of breast tumors. If you notice a
lump, have a mammogram to see if there is something there other than fluid.

- Indigestion and difficulty in swallowing. Indigestion can come from many things, even very
frequent indigestion can be a sign of acid reflux or other normal conditions. uowever, it can also be
a sign of some cancers.

- Obvious changes in moles or warts. Warts and moles shouldn't change shapes or colors or
thickness. Any of these changes can signal a chance of skin cancer.

 - Nagging cough and hoarseness. This can go along with the difficulty in swallowing. It can also be
a sign of lung and other cancers.

 Ȃ Unexplained anemia

 Ȃ Sudden weight loss