Tumor – causes, complaints & therapy

Tumour

The term tumor is of Latin descent and means as much as swelling or tumor. A tumor in general is an increase in the circumference of tissue. A tumor can be benign or malignant in nature.

What is a tumor?

The term tumor is often equated with the disease cancer, i.e. a form of malignant tissue formation. However, this is only partially correct, because the original meaning of the word includes further content.

A tumor can affect different parts of the body and can be both benign or malignant. In the narrower sense, the term tumor is often referred to forms of tissue formation as a result of physical dysregulation.

In general, however, the term tumor also includes inflammation, cysts or hardening inside the body.

Causes and development

If one considers the term tumor in its general meaning, a tumor can hide a large number of circumferential increases. Possible related causes are just as diverse. One form of the tumor is that of the so-called tissue regeneration.This form is probably caused, among other things, by changes in the cell’s own genetic material of the affected body region. Such changes in the genetic material as a cause for the development of a tumor can be triggered by the influence of environmental factors, but they can also be inherited.

Depending on the nature of the tumor, other causes of a tumor can be, for example, various substances in the breath, chemicals or various medications. A weakened immune system can also promote a tumor.

When to see a doctor?

A tumor must always be treated by a doctor. Especially in the case of malignant tissue changes (cancer), therapy should begin immediately. This disease does not lead to self-healing and in most cases to a deterioration of the general condition of the person affected.

If a tumor is diagnosed very late, effective therapy and complete removal often prove problematic. Depending on the type (benign or malignant tumor) and the affected body tissue, a tumor can cause various complaints. Chronic fatigue, fatigue, loss of appetite or severe weight loss should definitely be clarified by a doctor.

A tumor can also appear superficially, so that it can also be seen with the naked eye or palpable with the hands. Therefore, if the patient notices a change in his body, a doctor should always be consulted.

As a rule, if a tumor is suspected, a general practitioner or dermatologist should be consulted. However, further treatment is then carried out by a specialist and depends on the doctor of the tumor.

Symptoms and course

Depending on the region of the body affected by a tumor, the corresponding associated symptoms are also very different. In addition to specific symptoms of the various tumor forms, a malignant tumor caused by tissue formation can generally also manifest itself in symptoms that are just as characteristic of other diseases – which is why these symptoms are also referred to as so-called non-specific symptoms.

Various non-specific symptoms that may indicate a tumor include loss of appetite and weight loss. A loss of appetite can last in the short or long term. Other possible symptoms include general weakness, pain or sweating. Less common symptoms associated with a tumor are itching or fever.

The course of a tumor depends on several variables, such as its nature or which part of the body is affected. The most important criterion, however, is the characteristic of the tumor – is it benign or malignant.

Benign tumors usually grow slowly, displacing surrounding tissue rather than penetrating it. In the worst case, this means that they put pressure on neighboring tissue and can thus indirectly damage the body.

Malignant tumors (malignant tumors) often show very rapid and invasive growth. This means they penetrate surrounding tissue and destroy healthy cells. Malignant tumors form secondary growths, so-called Metastases, which can spread to other parts of the body via the bloodstream, for example. Due to the rapid and uncontrolled growth (mutation) of malignant tumors, immediate treatment and therapy measures are vital.

Diagnosis

A tumor can usually be diagnosed by the person affected. He feels an increase or hardening under the skin and can consult a doctor if there is a concrete suspicion. Various methods are then used in the doctor’s office to diagnose the tumor as such.

The most important examination is the X-ray examination. Here, the body is x-rayed, whereby tumors can be detected. Such a procedure can also be used to distinguish between a tumor and a harmless cyst. A CT helps determine the exact size and location of the tumor and whether other tumors are present.

Positron emission tomography can also be used to determine whether the tumor is good or bad. This works precisely through certain substances, which make noticeable metabolic processes in the body visible. Particularly noticeable changes indicate a malignant tumor.

In addition to Ultrasound and Endoscopy, which are also essential for the diagnosis, laboratory tests are also used. Blood, urine and other body fluids are analyzed. Cell and tissue samples can be used to determine whether the change contains cancer cells or is harmless. Apart from these examinations, an anamnesis is always carried out. Within these, risk factors, previous illnesses and various other factors can be determined, which almost always makes the diagnosis easier.

The compaction

The possible complications of a tumor are manifold. Determining whether the tumor is benign or malignant is crucial for further development.

In the case of a benign tumor, tissue growth can lead to a feeling of tightness in the organism. Vessels, blood vessels or nerve fibers can be crushed and restricted in their functioning. In some cases, the tumor presses on surrounding organs and triggers malfunctions or system failures. If the tumor is located in areas of the body that are difficult to access, it cannot be removed and the existing symptoms steadily increase.

A malignant tumor can lead to the premature death of those affected. Cancer cells can be transported to other parts of the body via the bloodstream and form new metastases there. The tumor spreads with it. The body continues to weaken and the chance of recovery diminishes.

In addition to physical problems, people with a tumor often suffer from mental illnesses. Mood swings, depressive phases or despair occur. Everyday life can no longer be managed as usual. This represents an immense burden for those affected. An inner weakness spreads and leads to a decrease in well-being. Cancer therapy is associated with numerous side effects and risks. The quality of life is severely impaired as a result. In addition, a tumor can form again at any time.

treatment and therapy

Effective tumor therapy first requires a detailed diagnosis of the tumor. The more precisely the properties (benign or malignant), dimensions and nature of a tumor are known, the more targeted tumor therapy can be.

An actual tumor can then be combated using adequate treatment methods. Treatment options here include radiation or chemotherapy, hormone therapies or surgical interventions. These methods are sometimes used in combination.

In addition to targeted tumor control, the aim of therapy is also to alleviate non-specific symptoms associated with a tumor. For example, pain caused by a tumor can be treated with painkillers ( analgesics ), among other things.Fever associated with a tumor can also often be controlled with antipyretic drugs. Various physical measures can also be effective against fever; for example, the application of calf wraps, which are intended to help cool the body.

In the context of targeted physiotherapy (physiotherapy), for example, general weakness or circulatory weakness caused by a tumor can be counteracted.

Prevention

Targeted prevention of a tumor is limited. A generally healthy lifestyle can be helpful; this includes, for example, a balanced diet rich in vitamins and sufficient physical activity. If a tumor is already present, its further growth can possibly be prevented by seeing a doctor in good time in the event of physical complaints; because an early start of therapy for a tumor usually increases the chances of successful treatment.

Dorothy Farrar

Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.

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