In daily life, people often become tense at the mention of tumors. Tumors are relatively troublesome diseases, but they can be classified as benign or malignant. Understanding tumors and scientifically preventing and treating them starts with learning the differences between benign and malignant tumors.

What is a benign tumor?

Benign tumors refer to the abnormal proliferation of cells in certain tissues of the body, exhibiting expansive growth, gradually enlarging like an inflated balloon, with relatively slow growth. As the tumor continues to enlarge, it can compress surrounding tissues but does not invade adjacent normal tissues. The tumor often takes on a spherical or nodular shape, typically forming a capsule around it, resulting in a clear boundary with normal tissue. When touched, it can be moved easily, and during surgery, it can be completely excised. Once removed, it does not metastasize and rarely recurs.

What is a malignant tumor?

In medicine, cancer refers to malignant tumors originating from epithelial tissue, which are the most common type of malignant tumors. Correspondingly, malignant tumors originating from mesenchymal tissue are collectively referred to as sarcomas. A few malignant tumors are not named according to the above principles, such as nephroblastoma, malignant teratoma, etc. Generally, what people refer to as "cancer" habitually encompasses all malignant tumors.

Differences between benign tumors and malignant tumors.

1. Presence of Metastasis: Tumors that generally do not metastasize within the body are usually benign, unless the malignant tumor is detected at a very early stage, in which case others may have already spread throughout the body.

2. Tumor Growth Rate: Slow-growing tumors are mostly benign, with some benign tumors even undergoing self-regression or gradually ceasing growth. In contrast, malignant tumors typically grow quite rapidly.

3. Most Malignant Tumors Lack a Capsule: During their growth, malignant tumors are prone to invading surrounding organs, leading to adhesion formation and affecting nearby normal tissues and organs.

4. Impact on the Body: Benign tumors, characterized by expansive growth, may cause discomfort in the later stages as they enlarge and compress adjacent organs, primarily manifesting as localized symptoms. In contrast, malignant tumors, due to their strong ability to spread and metastasize, can severely damage bodily organs. Patients often experience clinical manifestations such as weight loss, anemia, and cachexia, potentially endangering life in a short period of time.

What to Do When Diagnosed with a Benign Tumor?

1. Observe the Tumor's Growth Location

Even when benign, a tumor can become life-threatening if it develops in a critical area of the body where space is limited. For example, large benign tumors in the cranial cavity, on the thyroid, or in the mediastinum can be fatal. Similarly, benign tumors growing on the gastrointestinal wall or within the intestinal lumen can lead to complications such as obstruction, bleeding, perforation, or jaundice as the tumor enlarges. Delayed treatment in these cases can result in death.

2. Monitor for Malignant Transformation Potential in Benign Tumors

Some benign tumors may undergo malignant transformation, and once they become malignant, their consequences are the same as those of malignant tumors. Tumors that are more prone to malignant transformation include thyroid adenomas, breast fibroadenomas, uterine tumors, gastrointestinal leiomyomas, soft tissue fibromas, synovial tumors, and ligamentous fibromas, among others. Once these tumors are discovered, they should be promptly addressed.

3. Some benign non-neoplastic lesions are also associated with malignant tumors

Conditions such as cystic lobular hyperplasia of the breast, melanocytic nevi (moles), scar tissue in the lungs or other parts of the body, chronic ulcers that do not heal over a long period, and liver cirrhosis may all be associated with the development of malignant tumors.

Therefore, if a benign tumor is found to be rapidly enlarging, accompanied by bleeding, severe pain, or other concerning symptoms, immediate medical evaluation is necessary, and surgical removal may be required.

What to Do When Diagnosed with Malignant Tumor?

1. Adjust Your Mindset: Cancer is a disease that affects both the body and the mind. Thus, having a proactive and positive mindset can transform a "cancer warrior" into a victorious angel. Resentment and pain can increase acidity in the body, so it is important to learn to relax and cherish life. Even patients with advanced-stage cancer should strive to live a quality life, get plenty of sunlight, exercise within their capabilities, and boost their motivation to fight cancer. A cheerful mindset is highly beneficial for cancer treatment.

2. Avoid Relying on Hearsay and Delaying Treatment: For cancer patients, the timing of treatment is crucial. Cancer cells spread rapidly and are prone to metastasis. When cancer reaches an advanced stage, treatment becomes more challenging, and the hope of a cure generally diminishes. Therefore, upon being diagnosed with cancer, do not listen to unlicensed practitioners or try various unverified folk remedies. Moreover, avoid indiscriminately taking supplements, as this could delay the optimal treatment window.

3. Choose Treatment Methods Based on Your Condition and Avoid Overtreatment: Trust your doctor and allow them to develop a scientific treatment plan tailored to your physical condition and disease progression. Do not resort to "overtreatment" out of impatience for quick results.

For patients in the advanced stages of cancer with widespread metastasis, surgery is not a viable option. If the patient maintains good mental alertness without life-threatening complications, obstruction, or major bleeding, there is no necessity for surgery. Additionally, some patients who have undergone repeated chemotherapy treatments may develop low white blood cell counts, coupled with severe mental distress and physical weakness. In such cases, continuing chemotherapy can significantly increase the patient's suffering and accelerate their decline.