Tumor Services
Comprehensive tumor treatment services
When abnormal cells, such as cancer cells, form in the body, they may band together to form a tumor. Tumors are growths of tissue that the body does not need. If left untreated, they may form blood vessels that allow the abnormal cells to travel to other parts of the body.
Tumors can form anywhere, and while not all of them are harmful, they should be examined by a doctor and removed if necessary.
Our skilled surgeons offer advanced treatment options for the surgical removal of many types of abdominal tumors, with a special focus on tumors in the liver, kidney & pancreas.
Benign Tumors
Benign tumors are noncancerous growths that usually do not cause any harm or symptoms. Benign tumors are not uncommon and can go undiscovered for years.
Diagnosing a benign tumor will often require an imaging test, such an an MRI or an ultrasound.
Common benign liver tumors:
- Hemangiomas – These are the most common type of benign liver tumors. They are formed by an abnormal collection of blood vessels. They usually do not cause symptoms, but can be harmful in rare cases.
- Focal Nodular Hyperplasias – The second most common form of benign liver tumors. They are more common in young women under the age of 30.
- Hepatocellular Adenomas – These liver tumors are more common in women who have taken oral contraceptives and hormone pills. They do not usually cause problems.
Common benign kidney tumors:
- Angiomyolipoma - The most common type of benign kidney tumor and are composed of blood vessels, muscle tissue and fat. Often asymptomatic, but if large in size may cause bleeding or pain.
- Renal Oncocytoma - Made up of cells called oncocytes, these tumors are usually slow growing and asymptomatic.
- Renal Adenoma - These small, well-defined tumors are most often slow growing and lack symptoms for most people.
Malignant Tumors
A malignant tumor be definition is a cancerous growth that has the ability to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. They have distinctly different characteristics than benign tumors. Malignant tumors can be invasive, metastasize, grow rapidly and have an abnormal appearance.
Malignant liver tumors
The most common malignant liver tumor is hepatocellular carcinoma or "liver cancer". It is often caused by hepatitis B & C infections, cirrhosis, alcohol abuse, fatty liver disease, obesity and genetic factors.
The symptoms of a liver tumor are different for everyone, but some of the most frequent include:
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Jaundice
- Itching
- Lump in the upper right part of the abdomen
Blood tests and diagnostic imaging are usually required to confirm a liver cancer diagnosis. Be sure not to ignore these symptoms, as the longer a malignant tumor goes undiagnosed, the greater the risk that it will spread to other parts of the body.
Malignant kidney tumors
Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults. Often, these malignant kidney tumors don't cause symptoms in the beginning. But over time, symptoms like the below may develop:
- Blood in your urine
- Reduced appetite
- Persistent pain in your side/back
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
Since the cause of kidney cancer remains unknown, it is important to know the risk factors:
- Smoking
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Genetic diseases
- Family history
- Older age