TUMOURS
Definition of Tumour A tumour is an abnormal growth of tissue that can be either benign or malignant.
Benign and Malignant Tumours
- Benign Tumours: Benign tumours are non-cancerous growths that do not invade surrounding tissues and do not metastasize. Examples include naevus, fibroma, and lipoma.
- Malignant Tumours: Malignant tumours are cancerous growths that can invade surrounding tissues and metastasize to other parts of the body. Examples include carcinoma, sarcoma, and melanoma.
Types of Tumours
- Carcinoma: Carcinomas are malignant tumours that arise from epithelial tissues. Examples include breast cancer, lung cancer, and colon cancer.
- Sarcoma: Sarcomas are malignant tumours that arise from mesenchymal tissues, such as bone, cartilage, and fat.
- Lymphoma: Lymphomas are malignant tumours that arise from lymphatic tissues, such as lymph nodes and spleen.
- Leukaemia: Leukaemias are malignant tumours that arise from blood-forming tissues, such as bone marrow.
- Glioma: Gliomas are malignant tumours that arise from glial cells, which are a type of supporting cell in the brain and spinal cord.
- Melanoma: Melanomas are malignant tumours that arise from melanocytes, which are the cells that produce pigment in the skin.
Homoeopathic Therapeutic Approach
- Sulphur: Indicated for skin cancers, such as melanoma and basal cell carcinoma.
- Arsenic: Indicated for cancerous growths, such as sarcoma and carcinoma.
- Carbolic acid: Indicated for cancerous growths, such as lymphoma and leukaemia.
- Belladonna: Indicated for headaches and fever associated with cancer.
- Calendula: Indicated for skin ulcers and wounds associated with cancer.
- Aconitum: Indicated for pain and anxiety associated with cancer.
Clinical Features of Tumours
- Size: Tumours can range in size from small to large, depending on the type and location.
- Shape: Tumours can be round, oval, or irregular in shape.
- Consistency: Tumours can be firm, soft, or hard in consistency.
- Mobility: Tumours can be fixed or mobile, depending on the location and attachment to surrounding tissues.
- Surface: Tumours can have a smooth or irregular surface.
- Colour: Tumours can be pink, red, purple, or black in colour, depending on the type and location.
Investigations for Tumours
- Imaging studies: X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans can be used to visualize the tumour and surrounding tissues.
- Biopsy: A biopsy can be performed to obtain a sample of the tumour tissue for histopathological examination.
- Blood tests: Blood tests can be performed to check for tumour markers, such as CA 125 and PSA.
Complications of Tumours
- Metastasis: Tumours can metastasize to other parts of the body, leading to widespread disease.
- Infection: Tumours can become infected, leading to abscesses and sepsis.
- Bleeding: Tumours can bleed, leading to anaemia and shock.
- Nerve damage: Tumours can compress or invade nerves, leading to pain, weakness, and numbness.
Management and Treatment of Tumours
- Surgery: Surgical excision of the tumour can be curative in some cases.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy can be used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumours.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy can be used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumours.
- Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy can be used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumours.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy can be used to stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells.