im only 17 and i could use some help

kaityc1234 · New User Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 1

yesterday i was told i have a tumor in my back. my docotor didnt even tell me anything about it, he just said he thinks its only a fat tumor and theres no cancer to be found, but i have to go back in 4 months for tests.
i was just woundering if anyone could help me understand a little more or exactly what this is or if anyone knows anything about if you can develop cancer or how often these tumors can be cancerous.
this is bothering me so much, any help would be great

brainman

I can only imagine how much this most be troubling your mind. I am not a doctor but I will do my best to answer your question. The word “tumor” is a general term used for any abnormal growth. Some tumors are cancers. A vast majority of tumors are not cancers. So what is the difference? That is harder to explain, but in general a cancer grows much faster than a tumor and a tumor is much, much less likely to cause other problems. Tumors can be left alone for years without causing problems. Sometimes, a tumor does cause problems just because of their location. For example, a tumor in the brain while itself not a danger, may need medical attention because of the pressure it is putting on the brain.

Did they take a tissue sample?

If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendoglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

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