Tumor: Benign and Malignant, What Is the Difference

The word "tumor" in a report does not mean a diagnosis of "cancer." Neoplasms can be benign or malignant. Below is what each term means.

What a tumor and a neoplasm are

A tumor, or neoplasm (synonyms — neoplasia, neoplasm), is a pathological process in which changes in the genetic apparatus of cells disrupt the regulation of their growth and differentiation. Normally, cells divide as needed, age, and are replaced by new ones; in tumor growth, new cells form when they are not needed, and old ones do not die on time. Clinically, neoplasms are divided into two main groups — benign and malignant.

Benign tumor: is it cancer or not

A benign tumor is not cancer; it is a noncancerous neoplasm. It consists of differentiated, mature cells, by which the original tissue can be identified, grows slowly and expansively — pushing surrounding tissues apart rather than growing into them. Such tumors do not metastasize, usually have no general effect on the body, and after surgical removal, as a rule, do not reappear. Common examples are uterine fibroids, lipoma, papilloma, adenoma, pituitary adenoma.

At the same time, "benign" does not mean "harmless": if a formation compresses vital structures, for example the brain, it can be dangerous. Some such tumors grow aggressively, and some can become malignant over time.

Malignant tumor: how it differs

Malignant neoplasms consist of moderately, poorly, and undifferentiated cells and may lose resemblance to the tissue from which they originate. They are characterized by rapid, more often infiltrating growth: cells grow into surrounding tissues and destroy them, as well as by metastasis, recurrence, and a general adverse effect on the body — up to metabolic disturbances and anorexia-cachexia syndrome in late stages. Secondary foci are called metastases, or secondary cancer.

Cancer is a general name for carcinomas and adenocarcinomas, that is, not any malignant process but a group of tumors. More than 200 different types of malignant diseases have been described in total, and they can affect any organ, the blood, bone marrow, and immune system.

Can a benign tumor become malignant

Yes, this has been described: the transformation of a benign tumor into a malignant one is called malignization. Factors include chemical carcinogens, ionizing radiation and ultraviolet, mechanical trauma, heating. The probability depends on the type of tumor, and the doctor assesses it.

Adenoma and other names in the report

Adenoma belongs to benign tumors, that is, it is not cancer; an example is pituitary adenoma. What a specific formation in the report means, for example a cyst, is clarified by the doctor.

How doctors determine the nature of a tumor and when consultation is needed

The nature of a neoplasm is determined by the doctor based on examination results. Any symptoms and changes that are unusual for you are a reason to consult a doctor:

• a new lump or swelling anywhere on the body;
• unusual bruising or bleeding;
• weight loss without effort or decreased appetite;
• a cough that does not go away or worsens;
• changes in a mole or non-healing skin changes.

Most such symptoms are very often caused by other conditions and by themselves do not mean cancer. If the doctor suspects an oncological disease, the patient is referred for additional examinations or to a specialist at a hospital: with a confirmed diagnosis, early detection can simplify treatment.

The presence of a neoplasm by itself, including a confirmed one, is not a reason to call an ambulance. 103/112 are needed when the condition is life-threatening: for example, with signs of stroke or heart attack, as well as with vomiting blood or hemoptysis with shortness of breath.

The material is for reference: it explains terms but does not replace a doctor's consultation — it is more reasonable to interpret your report with a specialist who sees both the images and the whole picture.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer