When you are diagnosed with a tumor, there is an instant response emotionally, mentally, and even physically. Terror is a common reaction to the word “tumor” – whether it is benign or malignant.
The difference between the two types of tumors – non-cancerous and cancerous – is important.
Understanding what makes a growth benign or malignant is to recognize your prognosis, the various steps you’ll have to take to correct the imbalance that caused it, and what it could mean regarding your future health. All tumors share certain characteristics; they are cells your body does not need and old or damaged cells are not destroyed when they should be. Let’s begin with the basic definitions.
Benign Tumor
A benign tumor is not a cancerous tumor. Unlike cancer tumors, a non cancerous tumor is unable to spread throughout the body. A non malignant tumor can be serious if they are pressing a primary nerve, a main artery, or compresses brain matter. Overall, benign tumors respond well to treatment and the prognosis is usually favorable.
Some suspected causes of benign tumors include a traumatic injury at the tumor location, chronic inflammation (or long-term stress that leads to inflammation), an undetected infection, or diet.
Most Common Types of Benign Tumors
- Adenomas (epithelial tissue that covers the organs and glands)
- Meningiomas (brain and spinal cord)
- Fibromas or fibroids (connective tissue of any organ – most commonly found in the uterus)
- Papillomas (skin, breast, cervix, and mucus membranes)
- Lipomas (fat cells)
- Nevi (moles)
- Myomas (muscle tissue)
- Hemangiomas (blood vessels and skin)
- Neuromas (nerves)
- Osteochondromas (bones)
Depending on the location and size of a benign tumor, treatment might not be necessary. Doctors will monitor it, track patient symptoms and do tests at specific intervals.
Benign tumors are often surrounded by a protective “sac” – a mechanism performed by your immune system – that segregates it from the rest of your body and enables it to be easily removed.
If you are diagnosed with a benign tumor, altering your diet to an anti-cancer regimen is sound advice. Some benign tumors can become malignant but it’s rare. Even when they are removed, your doctor will schedule regular tests periodically to ensure no additional tumors form (also a rare occurrence).
Malignant Tumor
If your doctor determines that you have a malignant tumor, that means the mass is cancerous. The word malignant is Latin for “badly born.” This type of tumor has the ability to multiply uncontrollably, to metastasize (spread) to various parts of the body and invade surrounding tissue.
Malignant tumors are formed from abnormal cells that are highly unstable and travel via the blood stream, circulatory system, and lymphatic system. Malignant cells do not have chemical adhesion molecules to anchor them to the original growth site that benign tumors possess.
There are many suspected causes of cancer – some are widely accepted by the medical community while others are not. Obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, environmental pollution, heavy metal exposure, and household toxins are a few culprits that may lead to cancer in your body.
Most Common Types of Malignant Tumors
- Sarcomas (connective tissues such as muscle, tendon, fat, and cartilage)
- Carcinomas (organs and gland tissue such as the breast, cervix, prostate, lung, and thyroid)
Malignant tumors may not have symptoms initially and the first indication that something isn’t right may be the detection of a painless lump. These types of tumors are “elastic,” which enables them to grow fairly large before they are detected.
As they grow and begin to press against organs, blood vessels and nerves, pain and general soreness at the site may occur.
Pre-Cancerous Tumors
Precancerous tumors fall between benign and malignant. These types of growths have the markers to be malignant but are not yet apparent. They will not be characterized as malignant unless irrepressible cell growth ensues.
Prevention
The more you know about the stages of cancer and cancer prevention, the better you can guard against all tumor growth in your body. Boosting your body’s immune system through diet, exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices are your first line of defense. Explore some of the other articles here on The Truth About Cancer for more information about cancer-proofing your body!
So thankful I was introduced to alternative choices
how can traumatic injury develops into begign carcinoma
I had a •Hemangiomas tumor in my brain. My doctors told me it was malignant which required me to undergo radiation therapy.
I have a soft tissue sarcoma that looks like a mucus, is forming cysts, has no blood supply, and is malignant. It’s growing in my abdomen at a very, very fast rate. Where does that for in to your explanation? Really trying to find some answers as its really rare and doctors are befuddled.
Hi Gina,
The best advice we can give you is to consult with one of the doctors/experts that we interviewed in our Global Quest Series. Here is a link to get their information: https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/experts-info-sheet/
Hi I have a tumor in my breast and am only 27 with 3young children . Devastated
Grace do not listen to faith healers you need to do what the doctors say I know how you feel this stupid disease turns our lifes upside down…I am a Christian and we die all the time and God has nothing to do with it it is the way of the world that is controled by satan the devil 1john 5:19 anyway I hope the best for you and yours I go to see about mine (tumor in the abdomin) monday if you want to pray pray for endurance and forgiveness and qualify yourself to be in Gods Kingdom in the real life which there will be no disease or death.
Grace, you are very young to have breast cancer. Do you have a family history? My daughter also had a lump in her breast at 22 years old. Doctor told her certain times of the month this can happen also she was drinking too much caffeine. Cut down on sugar as many lumps that are diagnosed as breast cancer aren’t cancer at all rather fungal related and fungus is fed by sugar. Start an anti fungal Phase One diet and ask your doc for nystatin or dyflucan. Research other anti fungals like coconut oil, olive leaf, oil of oregano, colloidal silver… Findbyourself an integrative medicine doctor. Most likely you have nothing to be devastated about.
Hello Grace,
I just saw you post on the 25th of May, 2018. How are you? My mother had breast cancer and beat it! Now she keeps it at bay with…pills. Please respond via email if you’re ok…Im interested in the details and praying that you’re well.
Regards,
Russell
kallrustry@gmail.com
Dear Grace:
I will pray for you and your family. And will keep you in my prayers. God hears and God can heal. Blessing your way!
Your sister in Christ,
Joyce P.
PS I hope you’re a believer, if different views, I will still keep you in my prayers?
Dear Grace,
You are in my prayers!
Dear Grace, those of us who believe in the Physician of Physicians put our trust in Him who knows everything about us! Trust in the Lord with all your heart really means putting your faith into action! Today say this, Lord what ever plans you have for me Let it be so! If this will be a testimony of your power which ever way it goes I will be content! You are in charge! I will continue loving you! eternity is real and the joy of Christ followers is not how many years we live here on earth but how eternity will be spent with You and other! From someone in similar case!
I love your comment, Juan! Similar case here too.
Proverbs 3: 5-6
My son had a tumor removed 20 years ago but some of the cancer was stuck in his brain stem and could not be removed. No chemo. He changed his terrible diet of mac and cheese and ramen noodles to all organic and grass fed foods. He is doing just great and no problems since.
Does anyone recommend a doctor or a protocol to remove Lipomas? I feel like there is no answer to these benign tumors. Just wondering if any of the doctors or people on this website knows of anything that has been successful in treating Lipomas?
Hi lmj612,
The best advice we can give you is to consult with one of the doctors/experts that we interviewed in our Global Quest Series. Here is a link to get their information: https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/experts-info-sheet/
Hi, what a good knowledge to learn. May I know when this article was posted?
Hi Syifa,
Great question! This article was published February, 2015.
I am so sorry to hear my 19 year old daughter just found out she had them in both her breast i am so sad ?
Hi Steve are you a… jw because I really love what you said about that their will no longer be diseases and death as Christians we believe that God’s kindom will soon come and now more then ever is the time to be close to god not the time to give up on what we hop for my mom is also going through the unprepared suffering of finding out she might have cancer in the colon and for me it is devastating but i have faith in God that what keeps me strong
Hi my father had a big lump as in 25cm ang 5inch in thickness located at his left lower shoulder we are afraid to undergo biopsy as it might spread in other parts according to the doctor its a malignant sarcoma and the growth is so fast instead of surgery we try alternative but still the mass is growing fast what are we gonna do he is 73 years old
sir my grand-monther was suffering from malignant tumor,,
but the tumor was(operation) cut by doctor ,
now the patient was pain from back pan to foot,
so what can i do
Hi s .mAJI,
The best advice we can give you is to consult with one of the doctors/experts that we interviewed in our Global Quest Series. Here is a link to get their information: https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/experts-info-sheet/
Best wishes!
Please i need some serious medical advice. My father has been suffering from tumor cancer which I think has gotten to the malignate stage. What do I do? He needs to get well.
Hi Uchenna,
We are sorry to hear about what is going on with your father. The best advice we can give you is to consult with one of the doctors/experts that we interviewed in our Global Quest Series. Here is a link to get their information: https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/experts-info-sheet/
Just read all the information about tumors. Unfortunately I have one (breast tumor). Just checked to 3 different doctors. And they both have different results ( makes me so upset about it) .
The first doctor said according from USG I had taken – it’s only Benign. And because of that I went to check to another hospital. The second doctor said it might be malignant since the size and and curve of it doesn’t stay the same. So I went to see another hospital, and they said it’s cancer. I don’t have any sick symptoms yet. Only sometimes it feels painful. And I still have the appetite and everything. But I do get tired easily. Well.. by the end of this month I will have my whole check ups again. Hope to have clear results for the last time. I’m a mom of 11 yo son and I am 39yo. I hope everyone here are okay.
Wishing you all the best!
Hi, its good article concerning media print, we all know media is a
fantastic source of information.
I have a benign tumor on my Right thyroid the way I found out was by blood work I had no symptoms and I don’t feel sick or anything like that the doctor ask like it’s nothing but Jonah come back in six months he put me on medicine and I go back for I thyroid ultrasound this week. Thank you and I’m praying for all of you take care and have faith in God. GodTakes care of everyone and you must have faith faith is what you cannot see the faith that says if you do not have anything wrong with you.
I just found out I have a small tumor on my right lung. I don’t fear anything I Leave it all in God’s hand . With God no fear no pain.
Hi Martha,
We are sorry to hear what you are going through. Here is a cancer survivor story who had lung cancer: https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/cancer-survivor-story-joanne-stuart/
We hope that brings you some hope. Best wishes!
I have a lump on my shoulder .It was tiny in the year 2011 but it has enlarged now in 2018.It is painless and causing no trouble to me.I am 45 and quite energetic.I have a good appetite and overweight.The shape of the lump is very regular just like small balloon.It is sore too but if pressed a portion of it feels tight.What it can be? What would you suggest?
Hi Debapriya,
We cannot provide you with medical advice. The best advice we can give you is to consult with one of the doctors/experts that we interviewed in our Global Quest Series. Here is a link to get their information: https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/experts-info-sheet/
Kindly read soft in place of sore.
For more than three years, i have discovered some painless stone-like substance on my left breast and when i went for test, the doctor said i have a breast lump and is a benign. Non-cancerous. I dont feel any pains or symptoms. I just pray and hope it doesn’t to something else because i don’t know if it is growing or not. Pls what should i do to it.
Same here. Is it necessary to get it removed or leave it alone?
Hi Bro. Ty. I’m 55 years old. I just received the findings of the lump on my right breast. It says it’s malignant. I have yet to see the breast surgeon come January. Please pray for me. I am so glad I chanced upon this site. What’s more comforting is the discussion about faith and hope.
I read about caffeine being part of the cause of cancer. Is that so? I drink coffee 2x a day. Anyways, is there something I should be eating or refrain from eating to fight cancer.
Warm regards.
Hi Adel,
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We cannot provide you with medical advice, so the best advice we can give you is to consult with one of the doctors/experts that we interviewed in our Global Quest Series. Here is a link to get their information: https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/experts-info-sheet/
Sending good vibes your way!
I have some tumors, some are 5-7 years old. Near about 15 tumors. Among them one tumors is in right side of my belly and it os qite larger than other and sometimes painful. I am worries about it. Would you Please suggest me the right way of recover from it. Thank you
Hi Anno –
Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
We’re so sorry to hear about this and we’ll be sure to pray for you.
Unfortunately, we are unable to give any kind of medical advice. The best advice we can give you is to get a second opinion with one of the doctors we interviewed in the Global Quest series so they can give you the most appropriate advice based on your exact condition.
Please note that we are not able to select an expert for you.
We’ve created a page with the experts’ contact info as it was available to us.
Here’s the link to the actual webpage:
http://thetruthaboutcancer.com/experts-info-sheet/
We do have one more resource you may be interested in. During our Live Event 2017 series, Dr. Patrick Quillin suggested contacting The Institute of Functional Medicine to locate a practitioner in your area.
If you are interested, here is the link to search for a Functional Medicine Practitioner in your area: https://www.ifm.org/find-a-practitioner/
I’m also attaching the info about the Hope4Cancer clinic in Tijuana, MX if you’d like to reach out to them.
http://www.hope4cancer.com/
https://hope4cancer.com/schedule-a-call/
Please also see the resources below in case they will be helpful to you.
From our beginning, we have supported charities that really help these cancer patients.
HealingStrong:
http://healingstrong.com/
https://www.facebook.com/healingstrong
HealingStrong supports MANY cancer patients and are amazing. HealingStrong, a nonprofit organization, is supported 100% by volunteers, who are experienced in using natural strategies. The organization’s mission is to educate, encourage, equip, and empower those seeking comprehensive natural strategies to heal strong and stay strong.
HealingStrong Connect Groups meet monthly in various areas of the U.S. and South Australia to link others interested in natural strategies, holistic protocols, and local resources. Their groups focus on mind, body and emotional healing based on Biblical promises, as they believe the God of the Bible is our healer. For more information on how to start a group, or become involved in one, please go to http://www.healingstrong.org/groups, and like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/healingstrong.
Cancer Crackdown is so awesome and helps patients without a lot of money get supplements and treatments and even helps them raise money:
http://cancercrackdown.org/
https://www.facebook.com/CancerCrackdown
Also, the Independent Cancer Research Foundation is another charity that we support, also known as Cancer Tutor. They have been a TREMENDOUS help for cancer patients and have a TON of life-saving information they give out freely and they do real research into treatments for cancer that are outside of the toxic Big Pharma Big 3:
https://thetruthaboutcancer.com/independent-cancer-research-foundation/
The best that we can suggest is to contact Healing Strong and Cancer Crackdown for any need in financial resources.
We also support Mary Beth’s “Nick Gonzalez Foundation” which is bringing Nick’s protocol to the people…which is one of the most powerful cancer-killing protocols out there.
I hope this is helpful! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us again if there’s anything else we can help with.
Wishing you endless blessings and love!
The word ‘malignant’ is a very scary word to hear because it can mean death sometimes.