Health Library

Tumor

Mass; Neoplasm

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

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Causes

In general, tumors occur when cells divide and grow excessively in the body. Normally, the body controls cell growth and division. 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 growth 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 risk factors for cancer include:

• Benzene and other chemicals and toxins
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Environmental toxins, such as certain poisonous mushrooms and a type of poison that can grow on peanut plants (aflatoxins)
• Excessive sunlight exposure
• Genetic problems
• Obesity
• Radiation exposure
• Viruses

Types of tumors known to be caused by or linked with viruses are:

• Burkitt lymphoma (Epstein-Barr virus)
• Cervical cancer (human papillomavirus)
• Most anal cancers (human papillomavirus)
• Some throat cancers, including soft palate, base of tongue and tonsils (human papillomavirus)
• Some vaginal, vulvar, and penile cancers (human papillomavirus)
• Some liver cancers (hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses)
• Kaposi sarcoma (human herpesvirus 8)
• Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (human T-lymphotropic virus-1)
• Merkel cell carcinoma (Merkel cell polyomavirus)
• Nasopharyngeal cancer (Epstein-Barr virus)

Some tumors are more common in one sex than the other. Some are more common among children or older adults. Others are related to diet, environment, and family history.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on the type and location of the tumor. For example, lung tumors may cause coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Tumors of the colon can cause weight loss, diarrhea, constipation, iron deficiency anemia, and blood in the stool.

Some tumors may not cause any symptoms. Others, such as esophageal or pancreatic cancer, DO NOT usually cause symptoms until the disease has reached an advanced stage.

The following symptoms may occur with tumors:

• Fever or chills
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Night sweats
• Weight loss
• Pain

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider might see a tumor, such as skin or oral cancer. But most cancers can't be seen during an exam because they are deep inside the body.

When a tumor is found, a piece of the tissue is removed and examined under a microscope. This is called a biopsy. It is done to determine if the tumor is noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Depending on the location of the tumor, the biopsy may be a simple procedure or a serious operation.

A CT or MRI scan can help determine the exact location of the tumor and how far it has spread. Another imaging test called positron emission tomography (PET) is used to find certain tumor types.

Other tests that may be done include:

• Blood tests
• Bone marrow biopsy (most often for lymphoma or leukemia)
• Chest x-ray
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Liver function tests

Treatment

Treatment varies based on:

• Type of tumor
• Whether it is cancer
• Location of the tumor

You may not need treatment if the tumor is:

• Noncancerous (benign) 
• In a "safe" area where it will not cause symptoms or problems with the way an organ works

Sometimes benign tumors may be removed for cosmetic reasons or to improve symptoms. Benign tumors near or in the brain may be removed because of their location or harmful effect on the surrounding normal brain tissue.

If a tumor is cancer, possible treatments may include:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation
• Surgery
• Targeted cancer therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Other treatment options

Support Groups

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

Outlook (Prognosis)

The outlook varies greatly for different types of tumors. If the tumor is benign, the outlook is generally very good. But a benign tumor can sometimes cause severe problems, such as in or near the brain.

If the tumor is cancerous, 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 people can live for many years with the cancer. Still other tumors are quickly life threatening.

Related Information

References

Burstein E. Cellular growth and neoplasia. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 1.

National Cancer Institute website. Symptoms of cancer. www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/diagnosis-staging/symptoms. Updated May 16, 2019. Accessed July 12, 2020.

Nussbaum RL, McInnes RR, Willard HF. Cancer genetics and genomics. In: Nussbaum RL, McInnes RR, Willard HF, eds. Thompson & Thompson Genetics in Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 15.

Park BH. Cancer biology and genetics. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 171.

Review Date: 7/13/2020  

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, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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