Cancer & Tumor: What is the difference?

Both cancer and tumour are two very grave conditions that no one wants to get affected with. But life is not fair right? Every year, millions of people get affected by both these dreadful diseases and thousands of them also lose their lives.

A common misconception among people is that, cancer and tumor are the same medical condition. But that’s not so. They differ greatly from each other. In this article, let’s know the difference between the two.

What is Cancer?

Cancer happens when there is an abnormal growth of cells and they accumulate around normal cells which makes them difficult to function in the particular area, thus, affecting the whole system of the human body. Cancer can spread very quickly to other parts of the body and even make the organs dysfunctional.

What is Tumour?

A tumor is any abnormal mass of tissue or swelling. Just like a cyst, a tumor can form in any part of the body. It is not the same as cancer, although some may develop into cancers. However, it is not necessary that all tumors will be cancerous. There are two major types of tumours- malignant and benign, and benign tumors cannot spread.

What is the main difference?

Sometimes tumour and cancer are thought to be the same, but they are not, because cancer gives birth to innumerable new cells that block the function of the existing cells. But tumour does not give way to new cells but refers to an accumulation of cells abnormally in some part of the body thus, rupturing the healthy system.

Treatment for Cancer and Tumour

Treatment of both these medical conditions differs in many ways. A person suffering from cancer needs to take prescribed and scheduled chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other heavy dosage of medications. However, the treatment may differ depending upon the kind of cancer stage the patient is at and which part of the body has been affected.

Individuals suffering from tumour are treated differently. Since all tumours do not pose the threat of cancer, doctors often recommend to remove the tumour by extensive surgery depending upon its size and location.