By: Scott Bronson

 Benign Tumors: A tumor that does not metastasize or invade and destroy adjacent normal tissue  Malignant Tumors: A tumor that invades surrounding tissues, usually capable of producing metastases, may recur, likely to cause death unless treated.

 Noncancerous growths in body.  Doesn’t spread to other parts of the body.  (most growths in body are benign)

 Cause for growth may vary, process by which they grow is the same.  Cells refresh themselves by dividing, allowing dead cells to be disposed of naturally.  In case of tumor, cells may remain behind and form a growth.

 Not all tumors show symptoms.  Depending on location, symptoms can affect function of important organs or senses. -ex. Benign brain tumor may experience headaches, vision troubles, and fuzzy memory.

 Chills  Discomfort  Fatigue  Fever  Loss of appetite  Night sweats  Weight loss

 Key to diagnosis is determining if tumor is benign or malignant.  Can only be determined with certainty through tests in a laboratory.

 Imaging gives the best view of the inside of your body.  Imaging tests include: -Ultrasound -CT scan -X-rays -Magnetic resonance imaging

 Small sample of tissue to be sent to the laboratory to be examined under microscope  Lab determines if cancerous or benign

 Not all benign tumors need treatment  If small and not causing symptoms, doctor may recommend a watch-and-wait approach.  In these cases, treatment could be more risky then letting the tumor be.

 Tumors may be removed for cosmetic reasons. Ex. On face or neck.  Tumors that affect organs, nerves, or blood vessels are commonly removed to prevent further problems.

 Endoscopic (small surgical incisions)  Radiation Therapy

 Many benign tumors can be left alone if they show no symptoms  If you don’t have it removed, doctor may have you come in for routine examinations

BENIGNMALIGNANT  Mobile Mass  Smooth and Round  Cells Multiply Slowly  Tumor grows by expanding and pushing tissue  Not attached to surrounding tissue  Doesn’t Spread  Easier to remove  Fixed Mass  Irregular  Cells Multiply Rapidly  Tumor grows by invading and destroying tissue  Attached to surrounding tissue  Spread if not destroyed  Difficult to remove and recurs after excision

 Cancer cells are different: - Irregular size and shape of cell and nucleus - Malignant cells stain differently under microscope - Chromatin within nuclei clump irregularly - Malignant cells don’t stick together as well - Malignant cells are compacted within a smaller area

1. Skin Cancer 2. Lung Cancer 3. Breast Cancer 4. Prostate Cancer 5. Colorectal Cancer 6. Bladder Cancer 7. Melanoma (another type of skin) 8. Lymphoma (white blood cells) 9. Kidney Cancer 10. Leukemia (blood cancer)

 Chemical Carcinogens - ex. Tobacco, workplace chemicals  Age  Lifestyle Factors - Risk of developing cancer is increased by obesity, little exercise, drinking alcohol, and eating lots of red meat

 Radiation - Too much sun exposure  Infection -Hepatitis B/Hepatitis C, more prone to Liver  Immune System -Aids  Genetic Make-up  MOST CAUSES ARE A COMBINATION OF THE ABOVE

 Plenty of fruit and vegetables  Limit fat intake  If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation

 Avoid midday sun  Stay in the shade  Cover exposed areas  Don’t skimp on sunscreen  Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps

 Hepatitis B  Human papillomavirus (HPV)

 Practice safe sex  Don’t share needles

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