How does a malignant tumor differ from a benign one? Malignant tumor

Cancer cells are violators of all the rules of cell division. One single atypical cell among millions of "decent" fellows can lead to the development of a cancerous tumor

The sequence of processes in the body that lead to cancer is complex and variable. A combination of genetic factors, environmental influences and lifestyle can transform a normal cell into a pathological one.

What is the mechanism of tumor appearance?

Our body is a unique system that maintains a balance between new and old cells. Our body is made up of countless cells. They differ in structure and function. However, regardless of whether this cell is of the heart or blood, it matures from its earlier predecessors. All cells are programmed to die on time. Their death is carefully controlled by the whole organism. The death of a cell is called apoptosis.

Division, maturation, and apoptosis are essential conditions for the life of a cell. The accumulation of tumor cells occurs for several reasons: due to uncontrolled division, due to the inability of cells to mature and turn into their highly professional descendants (they simply remain at the developmental stage), inability to die in time.

Tumors are clones. Tumor cells originate from one and replicate the original cell. Damage to genes leads to disruption of division, maturation and programmed death. When the body's defense system fails, the damaged cell survives and forms many clones.

Cancer cells not only violate the rules of division, but also do not respond to all sorts of stop signals coming from our body. For example, cell growth occurs without estrogen, which is a normal condition for growth. Most cells can report that they are compressed by other cells, but cancerous cells ignore this signal and continue to multiply.

Tumors are so diverse that sometimes it is difficult to classify and divide them into groups. The causes, growth mechanism, location and spread determine the type of tumor. In this regard, tumors are divided into benign and malignant.

What is the difference between benign and malignant tumors?

Doctors refer to benign neoplasms that do not carry a great threat and have a favorable prognosis for life. Such tumors grow slowly, they do not have the ability to relapse and metastasize, they do not grow into adjacent tissues and organs. Often, benign tumors stop growing and begin to develop in the opposite direction.

However, all this does not mean that such tumors are harmless. For example, a benign tumor of the endocrine gland can cause disruptions in hormonal balance, and in the small intestine with large sizes - squeeze the intestinal loops, causing intestinal obstruction.

Malignant tumors, as the name implies, are extremely dangerous for the body. They are characterized by rapid growth, the ability to spread throughout the body, giving metastases, as well as to grow into neighboring tissues and organs. A malignant tumor can completely remove organs and vital systems of the human body from normal functioning.

A malignant tumor does not always have a clear difference from a benign one. In this regard, separate groups of neoplasms are distinguished: local destruction and potentially malignant. The former have all the features of malignant, except for metastasis.

If cancer is diagnosed at the second stage, then 70 to 80% of patients recover, at the third stage, the chance is significantly reduced to 30 - 35%. However, it can be very difficult to identify a cancerous formation in the early stages, since it has practically no signs. Nevertheless, if you listen to your own body, then the tumor can be detected.

The difficulty in treatment also lies in the fact that the detected disease in the early stages does not require large material costs. While in the future, only big money for the latest drugs and numerous treatment procedures will help cure cancer.

From the very beginning of its formation to the final result, cancer lives in the body for about 10 years. Today there are about 200 types of malignant tumors. And each of them can be cured if you consult a doctor in time. 80% of cancers are considered self-created. It is difficult to get close to the owners of strong immunity, a healthy lifestyle and an optimistic mood of this disease.

Cancer can also be provoked by environmental pollution, unclean water, polluted air and an immobile lifestyle. Improper nutrition also gives rise to the formation of a malignant tumor. Therefore, 75% of the food should be predominantly of plant origin and only 25% of the animal. People who regularly go on overly "effective" diets also contribute to tumor formations. Relatives of cancer patients are also at risk.

Cancer Symptoms

Despite all these statistics, you could already significantly spoil your health. Moreover, environmental pollution or unhealthy lifestyle do not determine 100% of cancer formation. A malignant tumor affects everyone, without exception, regardless of status, place of residence and age. And you should be wary if you regularly notice some of the signs of this disease:

If your ulcer wounds do not heal for a long time;

If unreasonable bleeding and spotting appear;

If seals, foreign formations on the body are felt;

If digestion or swallowing reflex is impaired;

If you have one large or several new moles with an unusual color, shape or size. Cancer can manifest itself in an existing mole, which in turn also changes color, shape or size;

If you have been suffering from coughing, shortness of breath and hoarseness for a long time;

If you have headaches regularly;

If you have noticeably lost weight in a few months and have absolutely no appetite;

If you have bone pain;

If you get tired very quickly, you feel weak throughout the body;

If your temperature rises for no apparent reason;

If you get sick often;

If sweating and dizziness appear;

If swelling is felt in the area of \u200b\u200bthe lymph nodes. In the neck, armpits, groin areas;

If cracks and ulcers form on the skin, tongue, gums, palate, and so on;

If you cannot swallow food normally;

If you feel a regular feeling of heaviness in the stomach, abdomen;

If painful sensations appear in the chest, the cough is characterized by the presence of bloody discharge;

If you notice a sharp decline in vision.

Each of these signs should be a reason for going to the hospital. And this does not mean at all that you will be given a terrible diagnosis. These signs can appear in other diseases, which should also be treated. Since chronic diseases also provoke cancer.

According to medical professionals, at least once every two years, tomography of the whole body should be performed. This way you can prevent the occurrence of serious illnesses. And not only malignant tumors.

In some cases, it is enough to undergo an ultrasound or fluorography, as well as an X-ray and microscopic examination of sputum.

You should also know how many stages of cancer development are:

1. The first stage is characterized by DNA damage, which is treated with ultraviolet radiation, radioactive and chemical agents. The initial stage is characterized by uncontrolled cell division, but almost 100% of the fact that it can be immediately cured.

2. At the second stage, these very "fertile" cells begin to form a tumor and grow. But nevertheless, the tumor can be cured in 70-80%.

3. At the third stage, cancer cells are able to form metastases, which can spread throughout the body through lymph and blood. Nevertheless, the tumor can still be cured in 30-35% of cases.

4. But at the fourth stage, there is practically no chance of being cured. In this case, cancer spreads everywhere - to nearby and other organs, cancer affects the entire body, tumors appear in different parts of the body.

Therefore, identifying cancer in the early stages of development should be everyone's task!

Malignant tumors: signs, causes and treatments

A terrible diagnosis like cancer, everyone is afraid to hear. And if earlier such malignant processes were found only in the elderly, today such a pathology often affects young people under 30 years of age.

Is a malignant tumor cancer or not?

The formation of a malignant origin is called the uncontrolled multiplication and growth of abnormal cells that contribute to the destruction of healthy tissues. Malignant formations are dangerous to general health, and in some cases pose a threat to life, since they metastasize to distant organs and are capable of invading nearby tissues.

How is it different from a benign tumor?

A distinctive feature of benign oncology is the fact that such a tumor is located in a kind of capsule that separates and protects from the tumor located around the tissue.

The malignant nature of the tumor gives it the ability to grow into adjacent tissues, bringing severe pain and destruction, metastasizing throughout the body.

Abnormal cells divide easily and spread through the bloodstream throughout the body, stopping in different organs and forming a new tumor there, identical to the first. Such neoplasms are called metastases.

Poor-quality formations are divided into several types:

• Carcinoma or cancer. It is diagnosed in more than 80% of cases of such oncology. Education is formed more often in the intestine, lungs, mammary or prostate gland, esophagus. A similar tumor is formed from epithelial cells. The appearance differs according to the location. In general, they represent a knot with a bumpy or smooth surface, a hard or soft structure;
• Sarcoma. It grows from cells of muscle and bone connective tissue. It is quite rare (1% of all malignant cancers) and can be located on the skin, uterus, bones, joints, lungs or soft tissues of the thigh, etc. Such a tumor is characterized by rapid growth and metastasis. Often, even with early diagnosis and removal, it recurs again;
• Lymphoma. Formed from lymphatic tissue. Such neoplasms lead to violations of organic functions, since the lymphatic system, designed to protect the body from infectious lesions, in the presence of a tumor, cannot fulfill its main tasks;
• Glioma. It is formed in the brain, growing from glial nervous system cells. Usually accompanied by severe headache and dizziness. In general, the manifestations of such a tumor depend on its localization in the brain;
• Melanoma. It grows from melanocytes and is localized mainly on the skin of the face and neck, limbs. It is rare (approximately 1% of all malignant tumors), characterized by a tendency to early metastasis;
• Leukemia It grows from stem marrow cells. In fact, leukemia is a cancer of blood-forming cells;
• Teratoma. It consists of embryonic cells, forming in the prenatal period under the influence of pathogenic factors. Most often localized in the testes, ovaries, brain and sacrum;
• Choriocarcinoma. It develops from placental tissues. It is found only in women, mainly in the uterus, tubes, ovaries, etc.
• Malignant formations that form in children under 5 years of age. These include various tumors such as osteosarcoma, retinoblastomas, lymphomas, nephroblastomas or neuroblastomas, neurosystemic tumors, or leukemia.

The reasons

The main predisposing factor to the formation of tumors of a malignant nature is heredity. If several cancer patients are found in the family, then all households can be registered.

Equally important is the presence of nicotine addiction. Unfortunately, even a photo of lungs affected by cancer, placed on a pack of cigarettes, does not repel smokers from this addiction. Tobacco smoking most often leads to lung or stomach cancer.

In general, experts identify only three groups of factors predisposing to the development of cancer:

1. Biological - this group includes various viruses;
2. Chemical - this includes carcinogens and toxic substances;
3. Physical - represent a group of factors including UV radiation, radiation exposure, etc.

All of the above factors are external in nature. Experts attribute genetic factors to internal factors.

In general, the mechanism of cancer is quite simple. Our cells live for a certain time, after which they die programmed, and new ones replace them. So the body is constantly updated. For example, red blood cells (or red blood cells) live for about 125 days, and platelets - only 4 days. This is a physiological norm.

But in the presence of pathogenetic factors, various malfunctions occur and outdated cells instead of death begin to multiply independently, producing abnormal offspring, from which tumor formations are formed.

How to determine a malignant neoplasm?

To determine the malignant tumor process, it is necessary to have an idea of \u200b\u200bits symptoms. So, malignant oncology is characterized by such main features:

• Pain. It may appear at the beginning of the tumor process or occurs with its further development. Often the pain in the bone tissue is disturbing, and a tendency to fractures appears;
• Signs of weakness and chronic fatigue. This symptomatology occurs gradually and is accompanied by a lack of appetite, hyperpowerfulness, sharp weight loss, anemia;
• The condition of the fever. A similar symptom often indicates a systemic spread of the cancer process. Malignant oncology acts with the immune system, which begins to fight with hostile cells, which is why a state of fever appears;
• If the tumor does not develop inside the body, but close to the surface, then palpable swelling or compaction can be detected;

In the photo you can see a seal on the skin, this is how a malignant tumor looks like - basal cell carcinoma

• Against the background of a malignant tumor, a tendency to bleeding may develop. In case of gastric cancer, it is bloody vomiting, in bowel cancer - feces with blood, in uterine cancer - bloody vaginal discharge, in prostate cancer - sperm with blood, in bladder cancer - bloody urine, etc.
• Against the background of the malignant tumor process, lymph nodes increase, neurological symptoms appear, the patient often undergoes various inflammations, any rashes on the skin or jaundice, ulcers, etc. may appear.

General symptoms increase gradually, supplemented by new signs, the condition is gradually worsening, which is associated with toxic damage to the body by the products of tumor activity.

Ways of metastasis

Malignant tumors tend to spread to other organs, i.e., to metastasis. Usually, the stage of metastasis occurs already in the late stages of the tumor process. In general, metastasis is carried out in 3 ways: hematogenous, lymphogenous or mixed.

• The hematogenous pathway is the spread of the cancer process through the bloodstream, when tumor cells enter the vascular system and are transferred to other organs. Such metastasis is characteristic of sarcomas, chorionepithelium, hypernephroma, lymphomas, and hematopoietic tissue tumors;
• The lymphogenous pathway involves the metastasis of tumor cells through the lymphatic flow through the lymph nodes and further to nearby tissues. This pathway of metastasis is characteristic of internal tumors such as cancer of the uterus, intestine, stomach, esophagus, etc.
• The mixed pathway involves lymphogenous-hematogenous metastasis. A similar spread of the tumor process is characteristic of most malignant oncologies (breast, lung, thyroid, ovarian or bronchial cancer).

Developmental stages

When diagnosing, not only the type of malignant formation is determined, but also the stage of its development. There are 4 stages in total:

• Stage I is characterized by small tumor sizes, the absence of tumor invasion in neighboring tissues. The tumor process does not invade the lymph nodes;
• For stage II of the malignant tumor process, a clear definition of the tumor is characteristic within its initial localization, although the presence of single metastases to lymph nodes of regional significance is possible;
• Stage III is characterized by the germination of a tumor in the tissue lying around it. Metastasis in regional lymph nodes becomes multiple;
• At stage IV, metastasis spreads not only to the lymph nodes, but also to distant organs.

Diagnostic Methods

Diagnosis of cancer of a malignant nature consists in the following procedures:

• X-ray examination, which includes:

1. X-ray computed tomography;
2. Endoscopic examination;
3. Ultrasound diagnostics;
4. Nuclear magnetic resonance;

• Radioisotope diagnosis of malignant tumors, which includes:

1. Thermography
2. Radioimmunoscintigraphy;
3. Detection of tumor markers;
4. Study of the level of chorionic gonadotropin;
5. The level of cancer-embryonic antigen, etc.

Treatment

Malignant formations are treated with three methods: drug, radiation and surgical.

Drug therapy consists in the use of specialized drugs for chemotherapy:

• Antimetabolites like Methotrexate, Ftorafur, etc .;
• Alkylating agents - Benzotef, Cyclophosphamum and others;
• Herbal medicines like Colhamine, etc .;
• Antitumor antibiotic drugs - Chrysomalin, Bruneomycin, etc.

2 Comments

It must be additionally said that the definitive diagnosis of “cancer” can be made only by the results of morphological studies - histology and immunohistochemistry. Any x-ray diagnosis only helps to make a diagnosis and determine the parameters of the neoplasm. Although in the ideal case, radiation diagnosticians and pathomorphologists work together (this option is now implemented in the private direction, at UNIM). And then, according to the results of morphology, a decision is made.

yes, while it makes an accurate diagnosis, the cancer will take at least 15 days, until treatment starts for another 15 days, so we lose precious time.

How to identify a benign or malignant brain tumor

How to identify a malignant tumor

A malignant tumor is a neoplasm, the cells of which divide uncontrollably and are prone to metastasis. In the initial stages, it is almost impossible to detect it by external signs. In order to identify the disease in the early stages, when it is easiest to treat, it is necessary to conduct a medical examination for prevention.

How to identify a malignant tumor?

Diagnosis of a malignant tumor

First pass a blood test for tumor markers. This type of diagnosis helps determine the presence of malignant cells in the body. In the event that the analysis confirmed the presence of tumor markers in the blood, an additional series of studies is prescribed.

Diagnose a malignant tumor using ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, radiography and mammography. The examination method directly depends on the body that needs to be checked. For example, a malignant tumor of the breast can be determined by mammography, and malignant neoplasms of the larynx are detected by microlaryngoscopy or fibrolaryngoscopy. In the first example, the organ is examined by an endoscope, in the second case by a microscope. Malignant tumors of the bottom, body of the uterus and its neck are diagnosed with an endoscope. A similar method is used to check the colon for malignancy. Using all of the above methods, a tissue sample is used to detect a tumor, which is sent for a biopsy. This procedure is final, it allows you to make a final diagnosis.

Determine the presence of malignant tumors using immunomagnetic enrichment technology. At present, this is the most modern method for diagnosing this type of disease. For this, it is necessary to take a blood test, in which, during a laboratory examination, the amount of Veridex CellSearch is determined. A large number of cells of this type indicates a 100% probability of a malignant tumor in the body.

Later, advanced stages of the disease are determined by palpation during self-examination or during a medical examination.

I would like to note that in the first place, everyone should not be bothered by the question: How to determine a malignant tumor? , but how to prevent its occurrence. To do this, you need to maintain a normal state of the immune system. It is she who recognizes and immediately destroys all unnecessary and alien cells.

How to identify a brain tumor?

One of the most serious diseases to date is a brain tumor. The outcome of the disease directly depends on the structure, type, location and size of the neoplasm. Only modern diagnostics can save a person’s life.

Diagnosis of a brain tumor

Any tumor can be either benign or malignant. However, the absence of cancer cells does not always mean that nothing threatens human life. Benign neoplasms are no less dangerous than malignant ones, as they can cause disturbances in the vital functions of the brain and squeeze tissues and blood vessels.

Headache is the main symptom of a brain tumor. If it worsens in the morning and is accompanied by nausea or vomiting, you should be wary. Most patients with a confirmed diagnosis have these symptoms, although they do not always indicate the presence of a neoplasm. In order to exclude a brain tumor, an examination is necessary.

Sooner or later, a brain tumor begins to cause a violation of vital functions. And only on the location of the tumor depends on what symptoms it will manifest. Tumors of the frontal lobe lead to memory impairment, with a tumor in the temporal lobe, hallucinations can occur, parietal - cramps, and with damage to the occipital lobe, coordination of movements is disturbed.

In addition, the character may deteriorate, numbness in the extremities occurs, speech, vision and hearing are impaired, and the ability to concentrate is reduced. If you or someone close to you has similar symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.

But do not forget that identifying symptoms is only the first stage of diagnosis. Further, under the supervision of a doctor, a full examination will be carried out. First of all, seek advice from a neurologist who will give an objective assessment of your condition and give further recommendations.

Also make an appointment with your optometrist. When examining the fundus, it is often possible to identify deviations that indicate a neoplasm.

Another reliable way to determine a brain tumor is magnetic resonance or computer diagnostics. They allow you to make a final diagnosis and say whether there is a neoplasm. In order to obtain the most reliable result, it may be necessary to introduce a contrast agent into the body. The diagnosis can be found after half an hour of examination.

Other articles on this topic:

Prognosis for the life of patients with benign and malignant brain tumors

Brain tumors - a group of diseases that occur in 20 people of the population. All tumors of the central nervous system are divided into benign brain tumors and malignant. However, the course of the process, caused by both benign and malignant neoplasms, is difficult.

The etiology of any tumors is unknown. There are only various assumptions why this disease can develop. In most cases, neoplasms occur spontaneously, without any connection with environmental factors or the state of the body. In some cases, a hereditary relationship is traced, but there is no reliable confirmation of this fact.

Classification of types of brain tumors

1. Brain tumors. Found in 90% of cases.
2. Tumors of the spinal cord. The frequency of their diagnosis is 10%.

In relation to the brain:

1. Intracerebral. They originate from the cells of the substance of the brain.
2. Extra cerebral. They can develop from the meninges, bone structures of the skull, cranial nerves.

In relation to the spinal cord:

1. Intramedullary - located in the substance of the spinal cord.
2. Extramedullary - located outside the spinal cord in the spinal canal.

Benign brain tumors do not have a direct destructive effect on the substance of the brain and on the body as a whole. But the physiological features of both the brain and the spinal cord are such that they are in an enclosed space formed respectively by the bones of the skull and spine. Therefore, even a benign tumor of the head causes compression of the brain, the death of its cells, the development of the corresponding symptoms, including death.

A malignant brain tumor, in addition to a compressive effect, has a toxic effect on the brain and the human body. Destroys neurons by germinating in them. Metastasizes to other organs and tissues, forming secondary foci.

Features of the clinical picture in different types of tumors

All symptoms are divided into three groups:

1. Cerebral symptoms.
2. Local symptoms.
3. Symptoms in the distance.

The first group includes signs caused by the development of intracranial hypertension due to an increase in tissue volume (this process is called “plus tissue”):

1. Specific headache - worse in the morning hours, has the character of aching, bursting. Patients report a feeling of a "heavy head."
2. Nausea of \u200b\u200bvarying severity, up to vomiting.
3. In severe cases, depression of consciousness is observed.

Symptoms of the second group - depend on the location of the tumor, are caused by compression or destruction of brain matter. The third group includes signs caused by the dislocation of brain structures when a tumor reaches a large size. External manifestations will be observed not in the place of localization of the neoplasm, but in the place of displacement of the brain.

Clinical symptoms of a malignant brain tumor depending on its location:

1. Frontal lobe. The defeat of this department leads to personality disorders, behavioral changes, and the absence of an adequate critical perception of one’s state. Speech and motor disorders may develop.
2. Temporal lobe. With the localization of the process, “paroxysms of sensations” may develop in this area. There are hallucinations of a different nature - taste, visual, auditory, emotional. With extensive damage, motor disorders, speech impairment are observed. hearing, memory, writing.
3. Parietal lobe. Since this area is responsible for all types of sensitivity and sensation of the position of the body in space, with its defeat, sensitivity disorders will be observed. Sudden bouts of pain, heat or chills, a feeling of "cotton limbs" may occur. Disturbed coordination and balance.
4. Occipital lobe. There is a visual impairment by the type of loss of visual fields, flickering flies, changes in color perception.
5. Ventricles of the brain. When they are affected, intracranial hypertension quickly develops with the appearance of cerebral symptoms.
6. Turkish saddle. Since the pituitary gland, which is responsible for the endocrine balance of the body, is located here, with the defeat of this area, various hormonal disorders develop.
7. Spinal cord. In this case, symptoms occur due to irritation of the nerve roots - a pain syndrome that depends on the localization of the pathological process.

Interesting! Signs of impaired root function are a lack of sensitivity in the area innervated by the affected segment. A benign tumor of the spinal cord causes its compression and impaired function of organs located below the site of compression.

Diagnostic methods and treatment methods for tumors

The diagnosis is made on the basis of a comprehensive examination of the patient. An anamnesis of the disease and features of the clinical picture are of no small importance. To clarify the location and extent of the lesion, visualization methods are used. Laboratory diagnosis is not very important in the diagnosis and is used only to detect secondary pathologies caused by a tumor.

1. MRI with contrast. The most optimal method, giving the most informative result. Allows you to clarify the location of the tumor, its relation to the functional areas of the brain, the degree of damage to the brain substance.
2. According to indications, angiography, craniography, a study of the electrical activity of the brain are used.

Removal of a benign tumor - surgical treatment is used that allows you to completely eliminate the manifestations of the disease. The only difficulty may be the location of the tumor in places, surgical intervention in which can lead to damage to the nerve or vessel.

Removal of a malignant tumor is technically more complicated because it requires resection of not only visually damaged tissue, but also apparently healthy tissue around the tumor. This technique is called ablastic, and is aimed at the maximum removal of tumor cells for the prevention of relapse.

Forecast for life

The course of a malignant neoplasm is always more severe, and the chances of recovery are low. This is due to the double action of the tumor - local compression of the brain substance and the development of an intoxication syndrome that affects the whole body. Benign brain tumor - the prognosis in this case is more favorable. Surgical treatment allows you to completely get rid of the disease.

Cyber \u200b\u200bClinic Spizhenko

Diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Cyber \u200b\u200bKnife Center, radiosurgery,

radiation therapy, CT

and MRI studies

Urology, reproductive health

Department of Radiology, Department of Neurosurgery

CSD Health Care

How to distinguish a benign tumor from a malignant

Cancer cells violate all the rules of cell division. A single atypical cell among millions of decent brethren can lead to the development of a cancerous tumor

The sequence of processes in the body that lead to cancer is complex and variable. A combination of genetic factors, environmental influences and lifestyle can transform a normal cell into a pathological one.

What is the mechanism of tumor appearance?

Our body is a unique system that maintains a balance between new and old cells. Our body is made up of countless cells. They differ in structure and function. However, regardless of whether this cell is a heart or blood cell, it matures from its earlier predecessors. All cells are programmed to die on time. Their death is carefully controlled by the whole organism. Cell death is called apoptosis.

Division, maturation and apoptosis are essential conditions for cell life. The accumulation of tumor cells occurs for several reasons: due to uncontrolled division, due to the inability of cells to mature and turn into their highly professional offspring (they simply remain at the developmental stage), the inability to die on time.

Tumors are clones. Tumor cells originate from one and replicate the original cell. Damage to genes leads to disruption of division, maturation and programmed death. When the body's defense system fails, the damaged cell survives and forms many clones.

Cancer cells not only violate the rules of division, but also do not respond to all sorts of foot signals coming from our body. For example, breast cancer cell growth occurs without estrogen, which is a normal condition for growth. Most cells can report that they are squeezed by other cells, but cancer cells, ignoring this signal, continue to multiply.

Tumors are so diverse that it is sometimes difficult to classify and divide them into groups. The causes, growth mechanism, location and distribution determine the type of tumor. In this regard, tumors are divided into benign and malignant.

What is the difference between benign and malignant tumors?

To benign doctors include neoplasms that do not carry a great threat and have a favorable prognosis for life. Such tumors grow slowly, they lack the ability to relapse and metastasis, they do not grow into neighboring tissues and organs. Benign tumors often stop growing and begin to develop in the opposite direction.

However, all this does not mean that such tumors are harmless. For example, a benign tumor of the endocrine gland can cause hormonal imbalances, and in the small intestine with large sizes, squeeze the intestinal loops, causing intestinal obstruction.

Malignant tumors, as the name implies, are extremely dangerous for the body. They are characterized by rapid growth, the ability to spread throughout the body, giving metastases, as well as to grow into neighboring tissues and organs. A malignant tumor can completely remove organs and vital systems of the human body from normal functioning.

A malignant tumor does not always have a clear difference from a benign one. In this regard, separate groups of neoplasms are distinguished: locally destructive and potentially malignant. The former have all the features of malignant, except for metastasis (basal cell skin cancer, desmoid fibroma). Potentially malignant tumors externally resemble benign, but can metastasize (carcinoid, giant cell tumor of the bone).

How to identify a cancerous tumor?

Unfortunately, none of us is safe from the appearance of a malignant tumor. But if you recognize cancer in the initial stage, then you can successfully recover from the disease. Next, we will talk about the symptoms of this disease - if you find any of them in yourself or your loved ones, you will need to check with a good doctor. Diagnosis of cancer should be carried out by a professional doctor who will prescribe competent treatment.

Cancer Symptoms

The following common signs of cancer are distinguished: swelling, cough, hoarseness and shortness of breath, bleeding, causeless weight loss, negative changes in the digestive tract and moles. Let's consider each of them in a little more detail.

1. Small tumors and seals on the body are often harmless, but not always. If you notice an abnormal compaction in any part of the body, it is better to see a doctor just in case. For example, breast cancer is diagnosed just by the formation of cones and seals in the mammary gland. Each woman is periodically recommended to feel her breasts to check her condition. If abnormal seals are found, you should definitely consult a mammologist.
2. If a person develops lung cancer, he will suffer from coughing, hoarseness and shortness of breath. These same symptoms may indicate inflammation and infection, however, the doctor needs to appear anyway. It is especially important to pay attention to these symptoms if shortness of breath and cough do not go away within two weeks. Also pay attention to blood in sputum.
3. Hoarseness may indicate laryngeal cancer.
4. Any bleeding for no apparent reason will indicate a malfunction of the internal organs, including cancer.
5. It is important to pay attention to changes in the digestive tract, if they are not caused by excitement, changes in diet and diet, and medication. The presence of cancer can be indicated by the frequent occurrence of constipation or diarrhea for no apparent reason, pain in the abdomen and intestines. A feeling of incomplete bowel cleansing after stool can also indicate the development of the disease.
6. Weight loss without objective reasons can also indicate the development of the disease. If in the last few months you have seriously lost weight, while not experiencing severe stress, not following a diet, and haven’t been engaged in active physical training, you should definitely see a doctor.
7. Pay attention to your moles. One of the types of cancer is melanoma - it can form on an existing mole or appear as a new big one. You need to contact a specialist with the following symptoms:
   • Asymmetric moles with uneven edges (normal symmetrical and even);
   • Non-standard color (the usual mole is brown, melanoma can be mixed with black, red, pink, bluish and white);
   • Large moles (melanomas in the amount of more than 7 mm);
   • If the mole is crusted, itchy and bleeding.

If strange spots appear on the skin that do not go away for a long time, be sure to consult a doctor. In no case should you remove the moles yourself, as well as damage them - this can lead to the development of a tumor! If you have large and convex moles, try not to hurt them, and if this happened and the blood went, be sure to see a doctor. Any mole with careless handling can lead to the development of the disease. It is recommended to remove especially large ones from a specialist - this is quick and safe.

If you have any of the above symptoms, do not pull with a trip to a specialist. The doctor will evaluate your health status and, if necessary, send him to the procedures and examinations, after which he will prescribe the appropriate treatment. If you suspect cancer, you will be referred for a tomography, biopsy, and a specialist doctor will advise you.

People at risk

1. Those who are exposed to long and harmful effects. This includes contact with carcinogens, toxic dyes and radiation. Smokers are also at risk.
2. Hereditary predisposition to cancer. In this sense, some types of cancer can be distinguished, for example, cancer of the genital organs or intestines. If your blood relatives suffered from such diseases, then the probability of the disease is several times higher. If at least two or three relatives had cancer, you should consult a genetic oncologist.
3. Those who suffer from precancerous diseases or have chronic injuries or inflammations. Precancerous diseases are those that can lead to cancer. These include mastopathy, intestinal polyposis, cirrhosis.

Those at risk need to be examined once or twice a year in a specialized clinic.

A malignant tumor is a pathological process, accompanied by uncontrolled, uncontrolled reproduction of cells that have acquired new properties and are capable of unlimited division. Oncological pathology in morbidity and mortality long ago came in second place, yielding only to diseases of the heart and blood vessels, but the fear that causes cancer in the vast majority of people is incommensurably higher than the fear of diseases of all other organs.

As you know, neoplasms are benign and malignant. Features of the structure and functioning of cells determine the behavior of the tumor and the prognosis for the patient. At the stage of diagnosis, the most important thing is to establish the malignant potential of the cells, which will determine the future actions of the doctor.

Oncological diseases include not only malignant tumors. Quite benign processes are also included in this category, which oncologists do.

Among malignant neoplasms, cancers (epithelial neoplasias) are most common.

Among benign neoplasms the most common,.

Properties of malignant tumors

In order to understand the essence of tumor growth, it is necessary to consider the basic properties of the cells that make up the tumor, which allow the tumor to grow independently of the whole organism.

Malignant neoplasms are represented by cancer, sarcomas, tumors from the nervous and melanin-forming tissue, and teratomas.

carcinoma (cancer) as an example of a kidney

A special variety of tumors are those that appear even in fetal development in violation of the displacement of embryonic tissues. Teratomas are both benign and malignant.

Features of malignant tumors, allowing them to exist regardless of the body, subordinating it to their needs and poisoning with waste products, are reduced to:

• Autonomy;
• Cellular and tissue atypia;
• Uncontrolled reproduction of cells, their unlimited growth;
• Opportunities .

The emergence of the ability to autonomous, independent existence -the first change that occurs in cells and tissues on the path to tumor formation. This property is genetically determined by mutating the corresponding genes responsible for the cell cycle. A healthy cell has a limit in the number of its divisions and sooner or later ceases to multiply, unlike a tumor cell, which does not obey any signals of the body, divides continuously and for as long as necessary. If the tumor cell is placed in favorable conditions, then it will divide for years and decades, giving offspring in the form of the same defective cells. In fact, a tumor cell is immortal and able to exist in changing conditions, adapting to them.

The second most important sign of a tumor is atypia, which can be detected already at the stage of precancer. In the formed tumor, atypism can be expressed to such an extent that it is no longer possible to establish the nature and origin of cells. Atypia is new, different from the norm, properties of cells, which are reflected in their structure, functioning, and features of metabolism.

Benign tumors present tissue atypia, which consists in disrupting the relationship between the volume of cells and the surrounding stroma, while the tumor cells in structure are as close as possible to normal. Malignant neoplasms, in addition to tissue, also have cell atypia, when cells undergoing a neoplastic transformation significantly differ from normal ones, acquire or lose the ability to perform certain functions, the synthesis of enzymes, hormones, etc.

various variants of tissue and cell atypia on the example of cervical cancer

The properties of a malignant tumor are constantly changing, its cells acquire new features, but often in the direction of greater malignancy. Changes in the properties of tumor tissue reflect its adaptation to existence in a variety of conditions, whether it is the surface of the skin or the mucous membrane of the stomach.

The most important ability that distinguishes malignant from benign is metastasis. Normal cells of healthy tissues and elements of benign tumors that are close to them are closely interconnected through intercellular contacts, therefore spontaneous separation of cells from tissue and their migration are impossible (of course, except for organs where this property is necessary - bone marrow, for example). Malignant cells lose the surface proteins responsible for intercellular communication, break away from the main tumor, penetrate into the vessels and spread to other organs, spread along the surface of the serous integument. This phenomenon is called metastasis.

metastasis (the spread of a malignant process throughout the body) is characteristic only of malignant tumors

If the tumor metastasizes (spreads) through the blood vessels, then secondary tumor accumulations can be found in the internal organs - the liver, lungs, bone marrow, etc. In the case of metastasis through the lymphatic vessels, the lesion will affect the lymph nodes collecting lymph from the site of the primary localization of neoplasia. In advanced cases of the disease, metastases can be detected at a considerable distance from the tumor. At this stage, the prognosis is poor, and only palliative care can be offered to patients to alleviate the condition.

An important property of a malignant tumor that distinguishes it from a benign process is the ability to grow (invasion) in adjacent tissues, damaging and destroying them. If a benign neoplasm, as it were, pushes tissues away, squeezes them, can cause atrophy, but does not destroy, then a malignant tumor, secreting a variety of biologically active substances, toxic metabolic products, enzymes, invades its surrounding structures, causing damage and death. Metastasis is also associated with the ability to invasive growth, and such behavior often does not completely remove neoplasia without violating the integrity of the organ.

An oncological disease is not only the presence of a more or less localized tumor process. Always with a malignant nature of the lesion takes place and overall impact neoplasia on the bodywhich is exacerbated from stage to stage. Among the common symptoms, weight loss, severe weakness and fatigue, fever, which is difficult to explain at the very initial stages of the disease, are most known and characteristic. As the disease progresses, cancer cachexia develops with a sharp depletion and impaired function of vital organs.

Properties of benign tumors

A benign tumor also lies in the field of view of oncology, but the risk and prognosis for it are incomparably better than for a malignant one, and in the vast majority of cases, timely treatment allows you to completely and permanently get rid of it.

A benign neoplasm consists of cells so developed that it is possible to accurately determine its source. Uncontrolled and excessive reproduction of the cellular elements of a benign tumor is combined with their high differentiation and almost complete correspondence to the structures of healthy tissue, therefore in this case it is customary to talk only about tissue atypia, but not about cellular.

About the tumor nature of benign neoplasms say:

• Inadequate, excessive reproduction of cells;
• The presence of tissue atypia;
• The possibility of recurrence.

A benign tumor does not metastasize, since its cells are firmly connected to each other, do not grow into neighboring tissues and, accordingly, do not destroy them. As a rule, there is no general effect on the body, the only exceptions are formations that produce hormones or other biologically active substances. Local influence consists in the displacement of healthy tissues, their compression and atrophy, the severity of which depends on the location and size of the neoplasia. Benign processes are characterized by slow growth and a low probability of relapse.

differences between benign (A) and malignant (B) tumors

Of course, benign neoplasms do not inspire such fear as cancer, but nevertheless they can be dangerous. So, almost always there is a risk that can occur at any time, whether in a year or decades from the onset of the disease. The most dangerous in this regard are urinary tract papillomas, certain types of nevi, adenomas and adenomatous polyps of the gastrointestinal tract. At the same time, some tumors, for example, a lipoma consisting of adipose tissue, are not able to become malignant and cause only a cosmetic defect or have a local effect due to their size or location.

Types of tumors

To systematize information about known tumors, unify approaches in diagnosis and therapy, classifications of neoplasms have been developed that take into account their morphological features and behavior in the body.

The main sign that allows us to divide tumors into groups is the structure and source. Both benign and malignant neoplasias are of epithelial origin, can consist of connective tissue structures, muscles, bone tissue, etc.

Epithelial malignant tumors united by the concept of "cancer", which is glandular (adenocarcinoma) and derived from MPE (squamous cell carcinoma). Each variety has several levels of cell differentiation (high, moderate, low-differentiated tumors), which determines the aggressiveness and course of the disease.

Benign Epithelial Neoplasia include papillomas originating from a squamous or transitional epithelium, and adenomas consisting of glandular tissue.

Adenomas, adenocarcinomas, papillomas have no organ differences and are built stereotypically at different locations. There are forms of tumors that are characteristic only of specific organs or tissues, such as breast fibroadenoma or renal cell carcinoma.

A much greater variety, unlike epithelial neoplasms, differ tumors originating from the so-called mesenchyme. This group includes:

• Connective tissue formations (fibroma, fibrosarcoma);
• Fatty neoplasia (, liposarcoma, brown fat tumors);
• Muscle tumors (rhabdo- and leiomyomas, myosarcomas);
• Bone neoplasms (, osteosarcomas);
• Vascular neoplasia (hemangiomas, vascular sarcomas).

The appearance of the tumor can be very different: in the form of a limited site, cauliflower, fungus, in the form of structureless growths, ulcers, etc. The surface is smooth, rough, tuberous, papillary. In malignant formations, secondary changes are often found, reflecting a disturbed cell metabolism with their growth into surrounding structures: hemorrhages, necrosis, suppuration, mucus formation, cysts.

Microscopically, any tumor consists of a cellular component (parenchyma) and a stroma, which plays a supporting and nourishing role. The higher the degree of differentiation of the neoplasm, the more ordered will be its structure. In low-grade (highly malignant) tumors, the stroma may be minimal, and the bulk of the formation will be malignant cells.

Neoplasms of the most different localization are widespread everywhere, in all geographical zones, neither children nor old people are spared. Having appeared in the body, the tumor skillfully “leaves” the immune response and defense systems aimed at removing everything foreign. The ability to adapt to different conditions, changing the structure of cells and their antigenic properties, allows the neoplasm to exist independently, “taking” everything necessary from the body and returning the products of its metabolism. Having arisen once, the cancer completely subjugates the work of many systems and organs, disabling them with their vital functions.

Scientists around the world are constantly struggling with the problem of tumors, looking for new ways to diagnose and treat the disease, identify risk factors, and establish the genetic mechanisms of cancer. It should be noted that progress in this matter, although slowly, is taking place.

Today, many tumors, even malignant ones, are successfully treatable. The development of surgical techniques, a wide range of modern antitumor drugs, new irradiation techniques allow many patients to get rid of the tumor, but the search remains the priority for research in the fight against metastasis.

The ability to spread throughout the body makes a malignant tumor virtually invulnerable, and all available treatments are ineffective in the presence of secondary tumor conglomerates. It is hoped that this mystery of the tumor will be solved in the near future, and the efforts of scientists will lead to the emergence of a truly effective therapy.

Video: the difference between benign and malignant tumors

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A malignant tumor is an autonomous pathological progressive process that is not provided for by the plan of the structure and functioning of the body and is an uncontrolled proliferation of cells characterized by the ability to colonize surrounding tissues and metastasize.

Malignant tumor development process

Atypism is characteristic of a malignant neoplasm, that is, a loss of normal tissue characteristics. Atypism is noted at various levels: biochemical (altered metabolic processes), antigenic (a kind of set of antigens that is not characteristic of normal cells and tissues), morphological (characteristic structure), etc.

The very definition of a malignant tumor contains the notion of significant (sometimes fatal) harm to the human body. The term "cancer" for a malignant tumor was first used by Hippocrates (dr. Greek καρκίνος - "crab", "cancer") because of the outward similarity of the expanding neoplasm to the cancer, which spread the claws. He also described the first tumors and made an assumption about the need for their complete removal with access.

Annually in the world more than 10 million people are diagnosed with malignant neoplasms; in the structure of mortality, these diseases are in second place after cardiovascular disease. The most common form of cancer is lung cancer, followed by breast cancer.

The most prognostically unfavorable are lung cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, and more “prosperous” is cancer in situ.

In Russia, the annual incidence is approximately 500 thousand people, about 3 million patients (approximately 2% of the population) are on the clinical records for malignant neoplasms. In recent decades, there has been a clear trend towards an increase in the number of cancer diseases.

Causes and Risk Factors

There are several theories regarding the causes and mechanisms of the development of malignant tumors:

• physicochemical (Virchow theory);
• dysontogenetic (Kongheim);
• viral genetic (Zilber);
• immunological (Burnet);
• polyetiological (Petrova).

Physico-chemical theory explains the development of malignant tumors as a result of exposure to the body of various exogenous and endogenous carcinogens, systematic injury. The most carcinogenic activity is possessed by aggressive chemicals, ionizing radiation, some products of their own metabolism (metabolites of tryptophan and tyrosine), ultraviolet radiation, components of tobacco smoke, aflatoxins, etc. The effect of these substances on the cell in certain doses leads to damage to its genetic apparatus and malignant degeneration. Perhaps the development of malignant tumors in places of constant friction, the usual trauma.

A dysontogenetic model of the development of malignant tumors (the theory of germ embryos) was first proposed by Yu. F. Kongheim. It implies the occurrence of cellular and tissue malformations in the embryonic period, which subsequently leads to the active reproduction of atypical cells that form tumors. According to this theory, during embryogenesis in some parts of the body an excess number of cells is formed that are “inappropriately” inactive. Latent cell formations have significant growth potential inherent in embryonic tissues, which explains the active malignant growth in a situation of random activation of sleeping structures.

The viral genetic theory plays the leading role in the development of tumors against oncogenic viruses, which include, for example, herpes viruses (including Epstein-Barr), human papillomaviruses, hepatitis viruses, human immunodeficiency viruses, T-cell leukemia virus, etc. After getting viral particles inside a normal cell, their genetic apparatuses are combined. The host cell begins to function as a collector of the components of the virus, producing the elements necessary for its vital functions. At this point, malignant degeneration of normal cells of the body often occurs, uncontrolled cell proliferation starts; the presence of the virus ceases to play a decisive role in carcinogenesis, and the process becomes irreversible.

Burnet’s immunological theory calls the formation of malignant tumors a malfunction of the immune system (damage to immunological surveillance), in which it loses the ability to recognize and destroy altered atypical cells, which leads to their rapid uncontrolled growth.

A polyetiological approach to explaining the development of malignant tumors involves a combined effect on the normal structures of the body of many provocative factors, which leads to their damage and further degeneration.

As a result of provocative effects, a failure of the natural anti-cancer defense system develops, the functioning of which is ensured by the following components:

• anticarcinogenic mechanism responsible for the neutralization of potentially dangerous agents;
• anti-transformation mechanism that prevents malignant degeneration of normal cells and tissues;
• anti-cellular mechanism, which consists in the timely removal of malignant cells and normal cells of the body that have undergone malignancy.

As a result of damage to the antitumor defense system or excessive exposure to provoking factors, malignant neoplasms are formed.

Forms of the disease

Depending on the tissues from which the tumor originates, these forms of malignant neoplasms are distinguished:

• organ-specific epithelial (in places of atypical localization of epithelial tissue);
• organ-specific epithelial (exo- and endocrine glands, integument);
• mesenchymal;
• melanin-forming tissue;
• nervous system and membranes of the brain and spinal cord;
• hematopoietic and lymphatic tissues (hemoblastoses);
• formed from germinal tissues.

Malignant neoplasms have multiple effects on the body - both local and systemic.

Types of tumors in accordance with the types of source cells:

• carcinoma (cancer itself) - epithelial cells;
• melanoma - melanocytes;
• sarcoma - connective tissue cells;
• leukemia - blood-forming cells of the bone marrow;
• lymphoma - lymph cells;
• teratoma - gonocytes;
• glioma - neuroglia cells;
• choriocarcinoma - trophoblast cells.

The types of cancer itself (carcinoma) are distinguished depending on the variety of epithelial tissue from which it originates, and structural features:

• squamous (without keratinization, with keratinization);
• adenocarcinoma;
• cancer in situ (in situ);
• solid (trabecular);
• fibrous;
• medullary;
• slimy;
• small cell.

According to morphological characteristics:

• differentiated cancer (slowly progressing, metastasis develops slowly);
• undifferentiated (rapidly evolving, giving common metastases).

By the number of pathological foci of the neoplasm, they can be uni- and multicentric (one or more primary foci, respectively).

Depending on the characteristics of growth in the lumens of organs, malignant tumors are:

• expansive (exophytic growth), when the neoplasm grows in the lumen of the organ;
• infiltrating (endophytic growth) - in this case, the tumor grows into the wall of the organ or surrounding tissue.

Degrees

In accordance with the degree of prevalence of the process, the presence or absence of metastases, the involvement of lymph nodes, malignant neoplasms are classified according to the TNM system (tumor - “tumor”, nodulus - “nodes”, metastasis - “metastases”).

The degree of development of the main focus is indicated as T (tumor) with the corresponding index:

• T is or T 0 - the so-called cancer in situ (cancer in place), when the altered cells are located intraepithelially without germinating in the underlying tissue;
• T 1-4 - the degree of development of a malignant tumor, from minimally expressed (T 1) to maximum (T 4), respectively.

Involvement in the pathological process of regional lymph nodes (local metastasis) is indicated as N (nodulus):

• N x - examination of nearby lymph nodes was not performed;
• N 0 - when examining regional lymph nodes, no changes were detected;
• N 1 - during the study, metastasis to nearby lymph nodes was confirmed.

The presence of metastases - M (metastasis) - indicates the involvement of other organs, damage to nearby tissues and distant lymph nodes:

• M x - identification of distant metastases was not performed;
• M 0 - distant metastases were not detected;
• M 1 - confirmed distant metastasis.

Symptoms

Malignant neoplasms have multiple effects on the body - both local and systemic. Local negative consequences are the compression of adjacent tissue structures, vascular and nerve trunks, lymph nodes with an expanding tumor. Systemic effects are manifested by general intoxication with decay products, depletion of the body’s resources up to cachexia, and a violation of all types of metabolism.

Local signs, often indicating the presence of a malignant tumor, are diverse and vary depending on the organ concerned:

• unusual asymmetric swelling, densification;
• bleeding
• cough;
• hemoptysis;
• dyspeptic disorders;
• hoarseness of voice;
• systematic pain;
• spontaneous increase in the size and color of moles, birthmarks; etc.

General non-specific signs:

• sharp depression or complete loss of appetite;
• progressive decrease in body weight with a constant stereotype of nutrition;
• intolerance to meat food, taste perversion;
• asthenization;
• violations of the sleep-wakefulness regime (drowsiness during the day, sleeplessness at night);
• decreased performance;
• sweating
• intolerance of habitual physical activity; and etc.

Diagnostics

For the diagnosis of malignant tumors and the detection of local and distant metastasis, the whole range of research methods is used - depending on the intended location of the neoplasm (laboratory tests, x-ray and ultrasound examinations, computer and magnetic resonance imaging, endoscopic methods, etc.).

The final diagnosis is made after a biopsy - taking cells or a fragment of tissue - followed by histological or cytological examination of the material obtained. The presence of atypical cells in the test sample indicates a malignant process.

Annually in the world more than 10 million people are diagnosed with malignant neoplasms; in the structure of mortality, these diseases are in second place after cardiovascular disease.

Treatment

The tactics of treating a malignant tumor is determined depending on its location, size, degree of malignancy, the presence of metastases, involvement of other organs and tissues, and other criteria.

Conservative Therapies:

• chemotherapeutic effect (drug suppression of uncontrolled proliferation of malignant cells or their direct destruction, destruction of micrometastases);
• immunostimulation;
• radiotherapy (exposure to the tumor with x-rays and γ-rays);
• cryotherapy (effect on atypical cells at low temperatures);
• photodynamic therapy;
• experimental methods of exposure, for the assessment of which a sufficient evidence base has not been collected.

In some cases, in addition to these methods of exposure, surgical excision of a malignant tumor with nearby tissues, lymph nodes, surgical removal of distant metastases is indicated.

If the patient is at a terminal stage of the disease, the so-called palliative treatment is prescribed - therapy aimed at reducing the suffering of an incurable patient (for example, narcotic analgesics, sleeping pills).

Possible complications and consequences

Complications of malignant tumors can be:

• bleeding
• germination in neighboring organs with their damage;
• uncontrolled rapid progression;
• metastasis;
• recurrence;
• fatal outcome.

Forecast

The prognosis for patients who are carriers of malignant tumors depends on many factors:

• localization of the pathological process;
• patient age;
• stage;
• the presence of metastases;
• structures and forms of tumor growth;
• volume and method of surgical intervention.

In recent decades, there has been a clear trend towards an increase in the number of cancer diseases.

Five-year survival for patients with a particular type of disease is strictly individual and usually varies from 90 to 10%, depending on the factors listed. The most prognostically unfavorable are lung cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, and more “prosperous” is cancer in situ. Undifferentiated cancer is more aggressive, prone to active metastasis (compared to differentiated).

Prevention

Preventive measures are as follows:

1. Elimination or minimization of contact with carcinogens.
2. Periodic preventive examinations with the identification of tumor markers.
3. Lifestyle Modification.

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