Tumor, Uncertain Cause

Tumors that are not cancer

Not all tumors are cancer. A benign tumor is a growth or mass that's not cancer.

These tumors stay in one place and tend to grow slowly. Benign tumors don’t spread to other parts of the body. They're rarely life-threatening. Benign brain tumors are an exception. Even small benign brain tumors can press on parts of the brain and cause serious problems.

Here are some common benign tumors and examples of the parts of the body they can affect:

• Cysts are sacs of fluid. They can form in places like the skin, joints, ovaries, breasts, and kidneys.

• An adenoma is an overgrowth of glandular tissue. Some adenomas make hormones, like those in the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, or adrenal glands.

• Lipomas are overgrowths of fat cells that often form under the skin on the shoulders, back, and thighs.

• A nodule is an abnormal growth of tissue. Nodules can form in many parts of the body but are common on the skin, in lymph nodes, on the vocal cords, in the thyroid gland, or in the lungs.

• Polyps are out-pouchings of the moist lining of an organ. Colon polyps form in the inner lining of the intestine.

• A granuloma is a cluster of white blood cells and other tissue that forms in an area of scarring. They might be found in the lungs and skin.

• Hemangiomas are benign clusters of blood vessels. When they form in the liver, they're called hepatic hemangiomas. Capillary hemangiomas (sometimes called strawberry birthmarks) can form on the skin and look bright red. They can also affect the eye.

If needed, benign tumors can be removed with surgery. They usually do not grow back.

Tumors that are cancer

A malignant tumor is cancer. These tumors can invade nearby tissues. They can spread through the blood and lymph nodes to other parts of the body.

Cancers are often named by the kind of cell they start in. Types of cancers include:

• Carcinoma. This is the most common kind of cancer. It starts in cells that make up the lining of organs, like the skin, lungs, breast, colon, and intestines.

• Sarcoma. This starts in cells that form bones, muscles, fat, and vessels.

• Lymphoma. This cancer grows in the lymph nodes. It starts in a type of white blood cell called a lymphocyte.

• Leukemia. This grows in the bone marrow. It starts in white blood cells.

• Myeloma. This grows in the bone marrow. It starts in plasma cells, which are part of the immune system.

Cancers are commonly treated with surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these.

Signs that you may have a tumor

Many tumors grow deep in the body and are only found after they cause symptoms or problems. Some tumors don't cause problems and are found while looking for something else.

Still, you should see a healthcare provider right away if you notice any of these changes:

• A new lump or swelling anywhere in your body

• Blood in your stool

• Unexpected weight loss (more than 10 pounds in less than 3 months without trying to lose weight)

• Frequent fever or night sweats

• Frequent colds or infections

• A skin sore that doesn’t heal

• New lump in the breast or changes in the nipple or skin of your breast

• Swelling in your belly (abdomen) or bloating

• Feeling full after eating a small amount

• Indigestion or trouble swallowing

• A change in the look of a wart or mole

• Persistent cough, hoarseness, or coughing up blood

• Shortness of breath or trouble catching your breath

• Extreme tiredness that doesn't get better with sleep

• Unexplained pain that doesn't get better or respond to pain medicine

• Yellow-looking skin or eyes

• White patches or sores in your mouth or on your tongue

• Changes in your ability to eat, pass urine, or have a bowel movement

• Unusual bleeding or discharge

Most of the time, these problems are not caused by cancer, but they may still need to be treated. Only a healthcare provider can tell you if a change is cancer.