What are tumors?

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Last updated: February 17, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Tumors are abnormal growths of tissue that can be benign, intermediate locally aggressive, intermediate locally aggressive rarely metastasizing, or malignant 1.

Key Characteristics of Tumors

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes over 50 histologic subtypes of soft tissue tumors and more than 30 subtypes of bone tumors 1.
  • Malignant and aggressive primary bone and soft tissue tumors of musculoskeletal origin are rare, representing only 0.7% and 0.2% of all new cancer cases in the United States, respectively 1.

Classification and Treatment

  • Tumors can be classified into different categories based on their histology and grading, which is crucial in formulating a treatment plan 1.
  • Treatment options for malignant tumors often involve a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, with the goal of achieving optimal outcomes 1.

Important Considerations

  • The application of treatment recommendations may vary depending on individual factors, such as tumor histology and grading 1.
  • Ongoing monitoring and follow-up care are essential to assess treatment response and detect potential recurrence 1.

From the Research

Definition and Types of Tumors

  • Tumors are abnormal growths of tissue that can be benign or malignant [(2,3,4,5,6)]
  • Malignant tumors, also known as cancer, can invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body [(2,3,4,5,6)]
  • Benign tumors, on the other hand, are non-cancerous and do not invade surrounding tissues [(2,3,4,5)]

Characteristics of Malignant Tumors

  • Malignant tumors can occur in various parts of the body, including bones 2, soft tissues [(3,6)], and breasts 4
  • They can be primary, meaning they arise de novo, or secondary, meaning they arise as a result of radiation or other factors 4
  • Malignant tumors can exhibit rapid growth, pain, and other symptoms [(2,3,4)]

Diagnosis and Treatment of Tumors

  • Diagnosis of tumors typically involves imaging studies, biopsy, and histological examination [(2,3,4,5,6)]
  • Treatment options for malignant tumors depend on the type, location, and stage of the tumor, and may include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy [(2,3,4,5,6)]
  • In some cases, targeted therapies or novel combination therapies may be used 6

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Malignant bone tumors.

Instructional course lectures, 2008

Research

Breast Sarcomas, Phyllodes Tumors, and Desmoid Tumors: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Staging, and Histology-Specific Management Considerations.

American Society of Clinical Oncology educational book. American Society of Clinical Oncology. Annual Meeting, 2021

Research

Tumors of the hand.

European journal of orthopaedic surgery & traumatology : orthopedie traumatologie, 2017

Research

Current treatment options for malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors.

Current treatment options in oncology, 2015

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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