Tumors. Learn the Differences Between Them. Supplements for Health.

   November 22, 2019  Posted in Conditions
Updated: 11/10/23

Are you curious about tumors? Have you heard horror stories and want more information to educate yourself on this sensitive medical topic? You’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we will be discussing tumors in-depth and exploring the different types that exist. We’ll also discuss why some supplements may be important for your long-term health and immune system if you have a history of these growths. Ultimately, it’s up to you whether or not you decide to use any supplements– our goal here is only to provide education and inform readers of what is out there. Let’s begin by taking a closer look at what exactly tumors are and how they differ depending on the type.

What is a Tumor?

A tumor is a growth in the body formed by groups of abnormal cells. Healthy cells normally grow and divide, reproducing new cells in a consistent an organized manner. However, in some cases, the cells grow and divide abnormally. If the body does not get rid of dead cells they can accumulate. They may replicate very rapidly in an unorganized way, which causes a tumor to develop. Although patients often use the words “tumor” and “cancer” interchangeably, not all tumors are cancerous. There are different types—benign, premalignant and malignant—and they often behave very differently. Tumors can develop at any age, but the risk is usually greater with age.

Simply put, a tumor is a mass or lump of tissues that grows abnormally. This lump can occur in any part of the body- from the skin, connective tissues, breast or even inside the body like colon, liver or kidneys. These tissues grow abnormally and without control, which can cause problems in many ways.

A tumor forms when anomalous cells multiply and grow uncontrollably. The cells that form a tumor are abnormal because they continue to reproduce when healthy cells would stop. These cells form a cluster or masses that can either be benign or malignant, based on their rate of growth and the likelihood of metastases. Benign tumors usually grow slowly and do not spread to any other part of the body. Malignant ones can spread widely, and invade other tissues, which can be potentially life-threatening.

Tumors vs. Cysts

Sometimes patients may mistake a cyst for a growing tumor. A cyst is an abnormal growth on the body, but it is not the same as a tumor. A cyst is a sac filled with fluid, air or semisolid material. They commonly grow on the skin, breasts, ovaries, testes, kidneys or the spine. Typically they develop as a result of an infection, a defect during fetal development or from trauma to the skin.

It’s important to note that not all tumors are cancerous and not all cysts are benign. This is why it’s crucial to get a proper diagnosis from a qualified medical professional. Your doctor will determine whether your condition is a tumor or a cyst through diagnostic tests and a physical exam. They will also determine the best course of action for your treatment.

Benign Tumors

Benign tumors are not cancerous. They do not spread or destroy nearby tissue and they may be easier to remove. In most cases, benign tumors do not return once they are removed. However, benign tumors can cause life-threatening damage if they develop in the brain and they may also develop into cancer (x, x).

Types of Benign Tumors

Benign tumors can grow on any part of the body. Usually researchers classify them based on where they grow:

  • Adenomas – grow on thin layers of tissue on internal organs and glands
  • Fibroids – develop on the tissues
  • Nevi tumors – moles on the skin
  • Osteochondromas – cartilage and bone overgrowth
  • Lipoma – fatty tissue under the skin
  • Leiomyoma – smooth muscle tissues that are found in the uterus, gastrointestinal tract, and blood vessels
  • Papilloma – small, wart-like growths that can occur on the skin or inside the body
  • Hemangioma – flat, red areas on the skin, or raised, lumpy growths
  • Chondroma – cartilage found in bones and joints
  • Meningioma – slow-growing tumors that form in the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord
  • Teratoma – tissues of various types, including bone, hair, teeth, and muscles
  • Choristoma – normal cells found in other areas of the body
  • Rhabdomyoma – rare benign tumors that mostly occur in the heart
  • Adenolipoma – typically appears beneath the skin
  • Myxoma -often occur in the heart

Signs of a Benign Tumor

Benign tumors may not produce any signs or symptoms. The patient may notice swelling or persistent pain in the area or sometimes patients may be able to feel the growth if it is close to the skin. If a patient does have symptoms, they vary depending on the tumor’s location and the organs it affects. The lump or mass will be visible and can be felt through the skin. There might also be changes in the texture of the skin, making it rough or scaly. If you’re experiencing unexplained weight loss, it could be due to the growth of a benign tumor. For example, uterine fibroids may cause symptoms like abnormal vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain and it may affect the patient’s ability to control the bladder. If a tumor develops in the brain, it may not cause specific symptoms, but it can cause general ones like headaches, nausea, vomiting, problems with vision and memory, seizures or facial paralysis.

Malignant Tumors

Malignant tumors develop the same way as benign growths—from rapid and abnormal cell growth. But unlike benign growths, these are cancerous and they spread to other tissue and organs nearby. The cells can break off and travel through the bloodstream, the lymphatic system or the body cavities. These cells can grow very rapidly and form new cancerous growths in different tissues and organs.

Types of Cancer

Medical researchers group different types of cancer based on the type of cell that they start in. They may also classify them based on where they develop in the body, such as breast cancer or lung cancer.

  • Carcinoma – starts in the epithelium cells in the skin and tissue lining
  • Sarcoma – begin in connective tissues in the cartilage, nerves and bone
  • Leukemia – starts in blood forming tissue, such as the bone marrow
  • Lymphoma and myeloma – develop in the immune system
  • Brain and spinal cord cancer – begin in the central nervous system
  • Breast cancer – starts in the milk ducts or lobules of the breast
  • Lung cancer – develops in the lungs, often in the cells lining the air passages
  • Colon cancer – affects the large intestine or rectum
  • Prostate cancer – occurs in the prostate gland in men
  • Ovarian cancer – starts in the epithelial cells that line the surface of the ovaries
  • Pancreatic cancer – occurs in the pancreas, a gland located behind the stomach
  • Liver cancer – affects the organ itself and can spread quickly to other areas of the body

Cancer Symptoms

Cancer patients develop symptoms depending on the type of cancer and where it develops in the body. According to research, it can cause almost any symptom. Signs and symptoms develop because it puts pressure on the organs, blood vessels and the nerves. Sometimes it develops where it does not cause symptoms until the tumor is large. In other cases, even a very small tumor can cause symptoms. 

They vary widely, but generally cancer causes symptoms like unexplained weight loss, fever, fatigue, pain and changes in the skin. More specific symptoms include changes in bowel or bladder function that may indicate bladder cancer or prostate cancer. Wounds that do not heal that may indicate skin cancer. In addition, patients may notice lumps or thickness in the skin that may be cancerous. Typically these develop in soft tissues, such as the breasts, testicles and lymph nodes.

Cancer Symptoms of Tumors

Premalignant Tumors

Lastly, premalignant tumors are not cancerous, but they may develop into cancer without treatment. It is often difficult to predict how tumors will behave or change. There are various types of premalignant tumors, including:

Risk Factors for Developing Tumors

We will discuss some of the most significant risk factors for developing tumors so that you can take steps to reduce your risk and protect yourself against this disease.

Age

One of the biggest risk factors for developing tumors is age. While cancer can strike at any age, the risk increases as we get older. This is because our cells become less efficient at repairing damage as we age, which can lead to mutations and the growth of tumors. While we can’t stop the clock, we can take steps to reduce our risk, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Genetics

Another significant factor that can increase your risk of developing tumors is your genetics. Certain gene mutations can make cells more likely to become cancerous. If cancer runs in your family, you may be at a higher risk of developing tumors. In some cases, genetic testing can help identify these mutations, allowing you to take steps to reduce your risk, such as getting regular screenings or making lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle Choices

Your lifestyle choices can also play a significant role in your risk of developing tumors. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and lack of exercise can all increase your risk of developing cancer. On the other hand, making healthier choices such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol can reduce your risk significantly.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors such as pollution, exposure to radiation, and exposure to certain chemicals can also increase your risk of developing tumors. It’s impossible to completely avoid these factors, but you can take steps to reduce your exposure. For example, you can use natural cleaning products to reduce your exposure to chemicals, or wear protective clothing and sunscreen to reduce your exposure to radiation.

Chronic Health Conditions

Certain chronic health conditions such as HPV and inflammatory bowel disease have been linked to an increased risk of developing tumors. If you have one of these conditions, it’s important to work with your healthcare provider to manage your condition and take steps to reduce your risk of developing cancer.

Treatment for Tumors

Since tumors are very different in size, type and location, treatment options vary widely. Typically, patients with benign tumors do not require any treatment. But sometimes physicians may need to reduce the size or remove the growth completely. Similarly, physicians may remove a premalignant tumor in an attempt to keep it from turning cancerous. However, malignant tumors require treatment because they are already cancerous.

Cancer Treatment

There are different objectives of cancer treatment, depending on the type and stage of the disease. Generally, the objectives aim to destroy cancer cells, reduce the risk of recurrence and help relieve the patient’s symptoms. Common types of cancer treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, stem cell transplants and targeted drug therapy.

Surgery

For most tumors, surgery is the most common and effective course of treatment. With new surgical techniques, surgeons can now remove tumors with minimum invasion and fewer risks to the patient. Surgery involves removing the entire tumor or as much of it as is physically feasible while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue. The success of any surgery on a tumor largely depends on the size, location, and type of the tumor, as well as the patient’s general health and medical history.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams of radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. This treatment can be used alone or in combination with other tumor treatments such as surgery. Radiation therapy is a painless and non-invasive procedure, but it can cause some side effects such as fatigue, skin irritation or change in skin color, and nausea. The oncologist will personalize the treatment to suit the patient’s tumor type, location, and overall health.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. The drugs can be administered directly into veins or by mouth depending on the patient’s condition. Chemotherapy can be given alone or in conjunction with other treatments such as surgery, radiation, or immunotherapy. While it’s a very effective treatment, chemotherapy can have side effects such as fatigue, hair loss, nausea, and anemia. The dosage and duration of chemotherapy depend on the patient’s type and stage of cancer.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy uses the body’s own immune system to destroy cancerous cells. It involves treatments that can stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack the tumor. It is also aimed at blocking certain immune checkpoints that prevent the immune system from attacking cancerous cells. Immunotherapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. The side effects of immunotherapy can vary but are typically less severe than those of chemotherapy and radiation.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy involves using drugs that block specific pathways or proteins that tumor cells use to grow and divide. The therapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. Targeted therapy can also have side effects such as fatigue, skin rash, and diarrhea. The treatment duration depends on the patient’s cancer type and the response to the therapy.

Complementary & Alternative Medicine

Additionally, patients may also find relief from alternative treatment methods. They may help minimize the patient’s physical symptoms or the side effects that conventional treatment may cause, such as pain, fatigue and nausea. Physicians may recommend a special diet to the patient or recommend massage, acupuncture, tai chi or yoga.

Can Tumor Grow Overnight?

While it may seem like a tumor can grow overnight, the reality is that it takes time for a single mutation to turn into a mass of abnormal cells. If a cell’s DNA starts to mutate, it may take several weeks or even months for the abnormal cell to divide. Then it may be another few weeks before there are enough abnormal cells to form a tumor.

Even though it takes time for a tumor to develop, it’s important to remember that not all tumors are the same. Some tumors, such as those that form in the brain, can grow more quickly than others. It’s also possible for tumors to grow faster if they’re fed by a blood supply. But even in these cases, tumors don’t grow overnight.

Can Brain Tumor Cause Vertigo?

Vertigo is another potential symptom of a brain tumor. This is because tumors can put pressure on the vestibular system, which controls our sense of balance. When the vestibular system is disrupted, it can lead to feelings of dizziness, lightheadedness, and vertigo. If you are experiencing persistent vertigo or dizzy spells, it’s important to speak with your doctor right away to determine the underlying cause.

Tumor to Cancer

The transformation from a benign tumor to a malignant tumor is known as tumor progression. This happens when the abnormal cells in the tumor start to grow and multiply out of control. The cells become more aggressive and start to invade nearby tissues and organs. If left untreated, the tumor can continue to grow and spread throughout the body, eventually leading to cancer.

So, how does a tumor develop into cancer? There are several factors at play, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Certain gene mutations can make cells more likely to grow and divide uncontrollably, which can lead to the development of a tumor. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking and drinking alcohol, can also increase the risk of developing cancer. Exposure to certain environmental factors, such as radiation and chemicals, can also contribute to the development of cancer.

 Supplements for Tumors

Curcumin

Curcumin is a yellow substance found in turmeric. According to recent studies, curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that have been found to help prevent the growth and spread of tumors. In addition, it has also been found to be effective in preventing the development of tumors in the first place. If you’re looking to start supplementing with curcumin, consider starting with 500mg daily.

Green Tea

Green tea has been used for many centuries as a medicinal herb due to its numerous health benefits. Drinking green tea has been found to help reduce the risk of developing cancer, which is primarily due to its high antioxidant content. If you don’t want to drink green tea, you can always supplement with green tea extract. Start with 500mg daily.

Inositol

Inositol is a naturally occurring substance found in many foods, including whole grains, nuts, and seeds. According to research, inositol has been found to have cancer-fighting properties that can help prevent the growth and spread of tumors. In addition, it has also been found to be effective in reducing the side effects of chemotherapy. If you’re looking to supplement with inositol, start with 500mg daily.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is a popular supplement that can help to support liver function and detoxification. Tumors can cause liver damage, making it tough for this vital organ to function correctly. Milk thistle contains a powerful antioxidant called silymarin, which can help to reduce inflammation and protect the liver from damage. Additionally, some studies have shown that silymarin may help to reduce tumor growth.

Vitamin C

Another important antioxidant, vitamin C can help reduce inflammation, boost your immune system, and support the growth of healthy cells. Studies have also shown that high doses of vitamin C can help slow the growth of some types of cancer cells. While you can get some vitamin C from your diet (think oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers), supplements can provide a more concentrated dose.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a vitamin that is essential for healthy bones and immune function. Research has suggested that vitamin D may have a role to play in preventing the growth and spread of tumors. According to studies, low levels of vitamin D can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, including breast, colon, and prostate cancer. If you’re looking to supplement with vitamin D, speak to your doctor to find out recommended levels.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep patterns. However, it has other essential functions, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies have shown that melatonin may help to prevent the growth and spread of tumors by inhibiting cancer cell growth and division. You may purchase melatonin supplements online through Bulksupplements.com.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids 

Found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, omega-3s are important for heart and brain health. But they also have anti-inflammatory properties that make them effective at reducing the growth and spread of tumors. In addition to fighting cancer, omega-3s can also improve mood, support joint health, and reduce the risk of heart disease.

The Bottom Line

A tumor is a growth in the body that develops from abnormal cell growth. They may be benign, premalignant and malignant. Benign growths are not cancerous and do not spread to other tissues and organs. Premalignant tumors are not cancerous, but they may develop into cancer. Malignant tumors are cancerous and they may spread to other parts of the body very quickly. Researchers have not identified a specific cause for tumors or cancer, but there are risk factors that may contribute, including radiation exposure, smoking, heredity and infections.

Treatment varies based on the type of tumor and where it develops in the body. Benign and premalignant tumors may require surgical removal so that they do not turn cancerous. Cancer treatment also varies and it may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or hormone therapy. Patients can also try alternative and complementary treatment options, such as supplements, with a doctor’s approval. Natural supplements are not a cure for any health condition, but they may help promote overall health.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease

Author: James D