Tumor: meaning, definitions and examples

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tumor

[ˈtjuːmər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

medical condition

A tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue that may be benign or malignant. It can develop in various parts of the body, such as the brain, breast, or lungs.

Synonyms

growth, lump, mass.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tumor	Used in a medical context to describe an abnormal mass of tissue. It can be benign or malignant. Often used by healthcare professionals or in medical literature. The doctor told her that the tumor was benign and not life-threatening.
growth	General term that can refer to any new formation of tissue in the body. Can be used in both medical and non-medical situations. It does not necessarily imply something harmful. She noticed a strange growth on her arm and decided to see a doctor.
mass	Typically used in a medical context to describe a larger, unidentified body of tissue. It can be used when the nature of the tissue is not yet determined. Often used in diagnostic settings. The ultrasound revealed a mass in her abdomen that needed further testing.
lump	Commonly used in everyday speech to describe a small, localized swelling or bump that can be felt under the skin. It is usually non-specific and can be used to describe both benign and serious conditions. He found a lump on his neck and was advised to get it checked.

Examples of usage

A biopsy is often performed to determine if a tumor is cancerous.
She was diagnosed with a benign tumor in her thyroid gland.
The doctor recommended surgery to remove the tumor.
The presence of a tumor can cause symptoms such as pain or swelling.
If left untreated, a tumor can grow and spread to other parts of the body.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

figurative use

In a figurative sense, a tumor can refer to something harmful or unpleasant that is growing and spreading rapidly.

Synonyms

detriment, issue, problem.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tumor	This term is used in a medical context to refer to an abnormal growth of tissue. The doctor diagnosed her with a benign tumor. They found a small tumor during the scan.
problem	Used for any situation that needs to be dealt with or solved, often less formal than 'issue'. We have a problem with our internet connection. Her biggest problem is time management.
issue	A broad term used to refer to a subject or problem that is often discussed or debated. We need to address the issue of climate change. There was an issue with the software update.
detriment	Used to describe something that causes damage or harm, often more formal and serious. Smoking is a detriment to your health. He continued his work to the detriment of his family life.

Examples of usage

The corruption in the organization was like a tumor that needed to be removed.
The toxic relationship was like a tumor slowly eating away at her happiness.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'tumor' comes from the Latin word 'tumere,' which means 'to swell.'
In medical terminology, tumors can be classified as benign (not harmful) or malignant (harmful).
The term has been used since the 14th century to describe abnormal swellings in the body.

Medical Facts

Tumors can form in any part of the body and may arise from various types of cells.
Not all growths or lumps are tumors; cysts and abscesses can also create swellings.
Cancer is an umbrella term that encompasses many types of malignant tumors.

Psychology

Receiving a diagnosis of a tumor often leads to emotional distress, including anxiety and fear.
Support groups can help individuals cope with the psychological impact of a tumor diagnosis.
Research shows that positive mental health can strengthen the immune system and potentially improve outcomes.

Societal Impact

Advancements in treatment, like targeted therapy, have revolutionized how tumors are treated.
Awareness campaigns help educate the public about early detection of tumors to improve treatment success.
Different cultures have their own beliefs and approaches to treating tumors, impacting healthcare choices.

Pop Culture

Various films and books address the challenges of living with tumors, portraying both physical and emotional battles.
Characters in media sometimes use humor to cope with their illnesses, including tumors, highlighting resilience.
Documentaries on personal health journeys often feature real-life experiences with tumors, aiming to raise awareness.

Translations

Translations of the word "tumor" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tumor

🇮🇳 ट्यूमर

🇩🇪 Tumor

🇮🇩 tumor

🇺🇦 пухлина

🇵🇱 guz

🇯🇵 腫瘍 (しゅよう)

🇫🇷 tumeur

🇪🇸 tumor

🇹🇷 tümör

🇰🇷 종양 (jong-yang)

🇸🇦 ورم (waram)

🇨🇿 nádor

🇸🇰 nádor

🇨🇳 肿瘤 (zhǒngliú)

🇸🇮 tumor

🇮🇸 æxli

🇰🇿 ісікті

🇬🇪 სიმსივნე (simsivne)

🇦🇿 şiş

🇲🇽 tumor

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,702, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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3699 heated
3700 speaker
3701 tiny
3702 tumor
3703 initiated
3704 demonstration
3705 curriculum
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