tumorer

Tumorer, or tumors, are abnormal masses of tissue formed by uncontrolled cell growth. They can occur in any organ and are broadly categorized as benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumors grow slowly, have defined borders, and do not invade nearby tissue or spread to distant sites. Malignant tumors invade surrounding tissue and may metastasize to other organs.

Tumorer are further classified by origin: carcinomas from epithelial tissue, sarcomas from connective tissue, and hematologic tumors from blood-forming tissues. Primary tumors arise in the organ where they are found; metastatic tumors originate elsewhere and spread to new locations.

Causes are diverse. They include genetic mutations, inherited syndromes, environmental exposures (such as tobacco, radiation, and certain chemicals), chronic inflammation, and infections with oncogenic viruses. In many cases no single cause is identified.

Symptoms depend on location and size and may include a lump, pain, obstruction, or impaired function. Some tumors are asymptomatic and found incidentally. Screening programs aim to detect certain cancers early.

Diagnosis combines imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI) with tissue sampling for histology and, when relevant, molecular tests to determine type and stage.

Treatment is tailored to type and stage, and may involve surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted or immune therapies. Benign tumors may be monitored or removed; malignant tumors often require multimodal therapy. Prognosis varies widely.

Not every lump is a tumor; cysts, infections, or inflammatory lesions can imitate tumors. Medical evaluation is needed for accurate classification.