Treatment:

Treatment also varies based on the type of tumor, whether it is benign or malignant, and its location. If the tumor is benign (meaning it has no potential to spread) and is located in a "safe" area where it will not cause symptoms or affect the function of the organ, sometimes no treatment is needed.

Sometimes benign tumors may be removed for cosmetic reasons, however. Benign tumors of the brain may be removed because of their location or harmful effect on the surrounding normal brain tissue.

If a tumor is malignant, treatments include:

• Surgery
• Radiation
• Chemotherapy
• A combination of these methods

If the cancer is in one location, the goal of treatment is usually to remove the tumor with surgery. If the tumor has spread to local lymph nodes only, sometimes these can also be removed. If all of the cancer cannot be removed with surgery, the options for treatment include radiation and chemotherapy, or both. Some patients require a combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

However, lymphoma is rarely treated with surgery. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are most often used for treating lymphoma.

Support Groups:

The diagnosis of cancer often causes a lot of anxiety and can affect a patient's entire life. There are many resources for cancer patients (see cancer resources).

Expectations (prognosis):

The outlook varies widely among different types of tumors. If the tumor is benign, the outlook is generally very good. However, there are some instances where a benign tumor can cause significant problems, for instance, in the brain.

If the tumor is malignant, the outcome depends on the stage of the tumor at diagnosis. Some cancers can be cured. Some that are not curable can still be treated and patients can live for many years with the cancer. Still other tumors are quickly life-threatening.

Complications:

Complications can occur if a tumor is located in a region of the body where it affects the function of the normal organ. If the tumor is malignant, it can also cause complications if it spreads (metastasizes).

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you notice any suspicious lumps or bumps on your body, or if you notice a new or changing mole on your skin.