Tumour Management

Tumour Management

Hearing the word “tumour” can be frightening—but understanding it can take away much of the fear. Today, with advanced medical science and expert oncology care, tumour management has become highly effective, giving patients hope, confidence, and excellent outcomes.

Whether the tumour is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), early diagnosis and the right treatment plan can make a world of difference. This guide will walk you through what tumour management involves, how doctors decide the best treatment, and what to expect at every step.

What Is a Tumour?

A tumour is an abnormal growth of cells. These cells divide more quickly than normal and form a mass or lump.

There are two major types of tumours:

1. Benign Tumours

• Non-cancerous

• Do not spread to other parts of the body

• Usually grow slowly

• Often removable with surgery

2. Malignant Tumours (Cancer)

• Cancerous

• Can grow aggressively

• May spread to other organs (metastasis)

• Require comprehensive treatment

Both types can cause symptoms depending on their size and location, which is why medical evaluation is important.

Signs & Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Help

Symptoms vary depending on the organ, but common warning signs include:

• A new lump or swelling

• Persistent fatigue

• Unexplained weight loss

• Pain that doesn’t go away

• Changes in bowel or bladder habits

• Chronic cough or breathing difficulty

• Abnormal bleeding

• Headaches or neurological changes

If you notice such symptoms, consulting an oncologist early can lead to timely diagnosis and better outcomes.

How Doctors Diagnose Tumours

Tumour management begins with accurate diagnosis. Your oncologist may recommend:

1. Physical Examination

To check for lumps or abnormal symptoms.

2. Imaging Tests

• CT scan

• MRI

• PET scan

• Ultrasound

These help understand the tumour’s size, shape, and spread.

3. Biopsy

A small sample of tissue is taken to determine if the tumour is benign or malignant.
A biopsy is considered the gold standard for diagnosis.

4. Blood Tests

Certain cancers release markers detectable in blood.

A correct diagnosis allows the doctor to create the most effective treatment strategy for you.

Tumour Management: A Multi-Step, Personalized Approach

Every tumour is different, and so is every patient. Modern tumour management focuses on personalized care—choosing treatments based on tumour type, stage, gene profile, and patient health.

Here are the key components:

1. Surgery

For many tumours, especially benign ones or early-stage cancers, surgery is the primary treatment.

It can help:

• Remove the tumour entirely

• Reduce the tumour size

• Improve symptoms

• Prevent spread

Minimally invasive techniques (like laparoscopy or robotic surgery) often reduce pain and recovery time.

2. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses specialized medicines to:

• Shrink tumours

• Kill cancer cells

• Prevent them from spreading

Chemo is often used before surgery (to shrink the tumour) or after surgery (to eliminate remaining cancer cells).

3. Radiotherapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy tumour cells. It is extremely effective for:

• Brain tumours

• Breast, cervical, lung, and prostate cancers

• Small localized tumours

Advanced techniques like IMRT, IGRT, and CyberKnife increase accuracy and protect healthy tissues.

4. Targeted Therapy

Unlike chemotherapy, targeted therapy works on specific molecules inside cancer cells.
It:

• Has fewer side effects

• Works precisely where it’s needed

• Is highly effective for tumours with specific mutations

Doctors may use genomic testing to determine if targeted therapy is suitable.

5. Immunotherapy

This modern treatment boosts your immune system, helping it fight cancer naturally.
It has shown remarkable success in:

• Lung cancer

• Melanoma

• Kidney cancer

• Lymphoma

For many patients, immunotherapy offers long-term control—even in advanced stages.

6. Hormone Therapy

Some tumours, such as breast and prostate cancers, grow in response to hormones.
Hormone-blocking medicines can stop or slow growth effectively.

7. Palliative & Supportive Care

Tumour management isn’t only about destroying the tumour—it also focuses on:

• Pain relief

• Nutrition

• Emotional support

• Improving quality of life

Supportive care is an essential part of the treatment journey.

What Determines the Treatment Plan?

Your oncologist will consider several factors:

• Type of tumour (benign vs malignant)

• Stage and grade

• Location and size

• Presence of genetic mutations

• Age, overall health, and medical history

• Response to previous treatments

This ensures the treatment is customized, effective, and safe.

Living with a Tumour: How Patients Can Stay Strong

A tumour diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but small lifestyle adjustments can make the journey smoother:

• Maintain a balanced diet

• Stay hydrated

• Do light exercises like walking or yoga

• Keep your immune system strong

• Follow your treatment plan strictly

• Talk openly with your doctor

• Seek emotional support from family or counsellors

Remember, you are not alone. With the right care, support, and treatment, many patients recover and return to normal life.

Myths About Tumours (And the Truth!)

Myth 1: All tumours are cancer.

Truth: Many tumours are benign and completely treatable.

Myth 2: Surgery causes cancer to spread.

Truth: Surgery is a proven method to remove tumours safely.

Myth 3: Tumour treatment always means chemotherapy.

Truth: Treatment varies and may include surgery, radiation, targeted therapy, or no treatment at all (for some benign tumours).

Myth 4: Tumours always come back.

Truth: With proper treatment and follow-up, many patients remain tumour-free for life.