Difference Between Tumors and Cancer
Understanding the concept of cancer is essential before addressing it at the molecular level.
Tumors arise from abnormal cell growth, often triggered by environmental factors.
Unlike cancer, managing tumors is crucial, emphasizing the need for both control and treatment.
What is a Tumor?
A tumor refers to a mass of tissue resulting from abnormal cell proliferation.
This growth is usually due to acquired mutations affecting a single cell and its clones.
Initially, the term “tumor” described swelling from inflammation, but it is now used interchangeably with neoplasms, excluding non-neoplastic growths.
Benign Tumors
Benign tumors are relatively harmless, characterized by localized growth without spreading to other areas.
However, they can sometimes turn malignant and become life-threatening.
Malignant Tumors
Malignant tumors, collectively referred to as cancer, are neoplasms that invade surrounding tissues and spread to distant organs, often leading to death.
Even after the removal of stimuli that cause neoplastic growth, genetic mutations within tumor cells continue to propagate among their descendants, leading to uncontrolled and excessive proliferation.
The Unique Nature of Cancer
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death, alongside cardiovascular diseases.
The primary concern with cancer is not just mortality but also the immense psychological, physical, and financial burden it imposes.
Unlike other diseases, cancer must be approached differently due to its complex nature, varying treatment responses, and physiological reactions.
The severity of cancer varies significantly depending on its type.
Advancements in research on the causes and mechanisms of cancer have led to significant progress in treatment.
Notably, the mortality rates for both men and women have been steadily declining, although the prevalence of cancer is rising.
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If you’re curious about the basics of traditional Korean medicine and health, read the following article:
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Thank you for reading.
