Tumor

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Mass; Neoplasm

Symptoms depend on the type and location of the tumor. For example, lung tumors may cause coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain, while tumors of the colon can cause weight loss, diarrhea, constipation, iron deficiency anemia, and blood in the stool. Some tumors produce no symptoms, but symptoms that often accompany tumors include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Night sweats
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Malaise

Like the symptoms, the signs of tumors vary based on their site and type. When a tumor is found, a biopsy is performed to determine if the tumor is benign or malignant. Depending on the location of the tumor, the biopsy may be a simple procedure or a serious operation. Most patients with tumors undergo CT scans or MRI to determine the exact location of the tumor and its extent. More recently, positron emission tomography (PET) scans have been used to visualize certain tumors types.

Common tests to most patients with tumors include:

• CT scan
• MRI
• PET scan
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Blood chemistries
• Biopsy of the tumor
• Bone marrow biopsy (most often for lymphoma or leukemia)
• Chest x-ray

Review Date: 09/11/2006
Reviewed By: Rita Nanda, M.D., Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.