Q. What is a tumor and what is cancer?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

A tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue, usually made up of a clump of cells that have grown and divided abnormally. It can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumors are not cancer and may or may not pose any serious health risk, depending on the type and location in the body.

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. A tumor begins when changes to certain genes within a single cell cause it to divide uncontrollably and form a lump or mass called a tumor. As cancer cells grow, they can spread beyond the original site to other parts of the body where they can form new tumors. This process is known as metastasis, which means that cancer has spread from one part to another – making it more difficult to treat effectively once metastasis occurs.

There are many different types of cancers caused by various factors including heredity, lifestyle choices such as smoking or excessive sun exposure, environmental hazards like pollutants or radiation exposure, viral infections such as those with HPV (human papilloma virus), aging etc... Treatment options depend on the specific type and stage of cancer present but commonly includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy among others. Prevention for some types of cancers includes lifestyle changes such as avoiding smoking/alcohol consumption/sun exposure etc., maintaining healthy weight through diet/exercise regular screening tests for early detection etc...

See all

Live Doctor consultation
Live Doctor Chat

Looking for expert medical advice and care can be a daunting task, especially when you need it urgently. But with Second Medic, you can connect with the best doctors in just a few minutes and have a private care conversation with them, all for free!

Our platform is designed to make it easy for you to get the medical advice and care you need without any hassle. Whether you have a minor health concern or a serious medical condition, our team of experienced doctors are here to help.

At Second Medic, we understand the importance of timely and reliable medical advice. That's why we've made it our mission to provide you with the best possible care, at the convenience of your own home.

Our platform is easy to use, and you can connect with a doctor in just a few simple steps. All you need to do is create an account, tell us about your health concern, and we'll match you with a doctor who has the expertise to help you.

You can then have a private care conversation with your doctor, where you can discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any other concerns you may have. Our doctors will then provide you with expert advice and guidance on the next steps to take.

So, whether you're looking for medical advice, a second opinion, or a prescription refill, Second Medic has got you covered. With our platform, you can get the care you need, when you need it, all for free!