can a tumour ever be 'okay'?

[mckenzie]

Someone close to me has a tumour and is in the process of finding out more. Can it ever be 'ok' to have a tumour or does it always mean something horrible?

Depends if its benign or malignant. Benign is generally not such a problem once its removed. Malignant means cancer.

Of course it can but it also depends on where it is whether it'll be a problem or not. I have a skin tumour which is benign so totally harmless and they won't remove it unless it starts hurting. A benign brain tumour however can cause as many problems as a malignant one. So it would depend on several factors as to how bad news it is.

Yes- as the other replies say. We tend to use the word tumour almost to mean a malignancy but it's technically just an abnormal growth. Some are benign and in a place where they cause no bother. A benign tumour in the brain could be a problem still, cos if it grows it will put pressure on bits of the brain due to being within a solid case (the skull). Some malignant tumours still aren't a big problem if they're in a site easy to remove and slow growing. Different types of tumour also respond differently to different treatments, some may be easily cured with removal/chemo/radiotherapy as appropriate. It definitely is a case of getting more info first and taking it from there. Staying positive and healthy can contribute in a good way too.

My dad had 2 on his fingers. They were benign. They were removed and no problems ever since

Depends what and where. Sorry that's not helpful at all, is it?

I had a tumor on a blood vessel in my hand, it was removed, found benign and apart from a scar I have nothing left and never been bothered again (10 year +).
But your friends might need hand holding and distracting. It is a bit scary to wait for the result either way, IME (TBH twat ex decided to cheat on me that week too, so I might not have been completely myself).

I have fibroids, they are benign tumours.

As other posters have said, a tumour is just an abnormal growth of tissue.

Generally speaking:

Benign and slow growing in a large space = not a big problem.
Benign and fast growing in a large space = could be a problem.
Benign in a tight space = a problem.

Malignant anywhere = a problem.

thanks very much guys. It's just a waiting game now for that extra information. I'm taking comfort from the fact that they haven't rushed her in to see someone and start any treatment.