But while benign tumors may require some treatment, the cells that form them share few of the characteristics of aggressive cancer cells, Dr.
Then it learns how to proliferate. Then it learns how to invade. Then it learns to metastasize. Cells are the building blocks of cancer. Still wondering, what exactly is cancer? Learn more. Make a difference in the fight against cancer by donating to cancer research. Call us anytime. What's the difference? Other types of benign tumors include: Adenomas : These bumps form on the surfaces of G-I tract.
Fibromas : These tumors of connective tissue may be found in any organ. Cancer is a genetic condition because it develops due to changes in cellular genes that control cell function, especially how they grow and divide. A person can inherit these genetic changes from their parents. These changes may also develop due to genetic errors that occur when cells divide or when environmental exposure to toxins damages cellular DNA. When a gene mutates or there are excess copies of it, it can become permanently switched on when it should not.
These abnormal genes, called oncogenes, have the potential to cause cancer. Oncogenes cause cells to grow uncontrollably, which can cause cancer and tumors to form. Changes in tumor suppressor genes, which normally help restrict cellular growth, can also trigger the growth of cancerous tumors.
In many cases, tumors are solid masses of abnormal tissue. That said, some cancers form in the blood, and these typically do not create solid tumors. There are several differences between cancer cells and normal cells. It is these differences that allow cancer cells to form tumors that can cause organ damage, failure, and eventually death.
Unlike regular, healthy cells, cancer cells can grow and divide at an uncontrollable and very high rate. Cancer cells also do not mature and develop to perform highly specialized functions as normal cells do. Furthermore, cancer cells can also sometimes influence healthy cells, blood vessels, and molecules that nourish and surround tumors.
These new blood vessels also remove waste. Chunks of cancerous tumor can also break off and travel throughout the body in the blood or lymph system, forming new tumors in different locations.
Malignant tumors also sometimes regrow after treatment. Cancer cells or tumors in organs or the bloodstream can disrupt organ function. They may destroy healthy cells in organs, block their nutrient or oxygen supply, and allow waste products to build up. If cancer becomes severe enough that it impairs or prevents vital organ function, it can result in death.
You can change these habits to lower your risk of cancer — though some habits are easier to change than others. Only a small portion of cancers are due to an inherited condition. If cancer is common in your family, it's possible that mutations are being passed from one generation to the next.
You might be a candidate for genetic testing to see whether you have inherited mutations that might increase your risk of certain cancers. Keep in mind that having an inherited genetic mutation doesn't necessarily mean you'll get cancer. Some chronic health conditions, such as ulcerative colitis, can markedly increase your risk of developing certain cancers.
Talk to your doctor about your risk. The environment around you may contain harmful chemicals that can increase your risk of cancer. Even if you don't smoke, you might inhale secondhand smoke if you go where people are smoking or if you live with someone who smokes. Chemicals in your home or workplace, such as asbestos and benzene, also are associated with an increased risk of cancer.
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This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Cancer refers to any one of a large number of diseases characterized by the development of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and have the ability to infiltrate and destroy normal body tissue. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Cancer.
World Health Organization. Accessed Feb. Cancer stat facts: Cancer of any site. Symptoms of cancer. Premalignant : In these tumors, the cells are not yet cancerous, but they have the potential to become malignant. Malignant : Malignant tumors are cancerous. The cells can grow and spread to other parts of the body. It is not always clear how a tumor will act in the future. Some benign tumors can become premalignant and then malignant.
For this reason, it is best to monitor any growth. However, they can cause pain or other problems if they press against nerves or blood vessels or if they trigger the overproduction of hormones, as in the endocrine system. Adenomas develop in glandular epithelial tissue, which is the thin membrane that covers glands, organs, and other structures in the body.
Adenomas do not start as cancer. However, some can change and become adenocarcinomas, which are cancerous. Learn more about fibroadenomas of the breast here. Fibroids , or fibromas, are benign tumors that can grow on the fibrous or connective tissue of any organ. Some fibromas can cause symptoms and may need surgery. In rare cases, fibroids can change and become fibrosarcomas. These are cancerous. Learn more about dermatofibromas. They are often present at birth and disappear during childhood.
Hemangiomas do not usually need treatment, but laser surgery and other options are available if they do not go away. Find out more here about internal hemangiomas. Lipomas are a form of soft tissue tumor and consist of fat cells. Most lipomas are small, painless, rubbery, soft to the touch, and movable. They often appear on the back, shoulders, arms, buttocks, and the tops of the legs. Types of lipoma include fibrolipomas, which contain fat cells and fibrous connective tissue, and angiolipomas, which appear under the skin.
Find out more about angiolipomas here.
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