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A '''Tumor''' is an abnormal and functionless mass of [[tissue]] within a living body that is not inflammatory and arises from pre-existent tissue. This can either be benign (non-cancer) or malignant ([[cancer]]).  Malignant tumors (cancer) are more invasive and can spread ([[metastasis|metastasize]]) to other parts of the body.  However, internally even benign tumors can cause harm, for example, by occupying space or exerting pressure on adjacent organs or tissues.

A '''tumor''' is an abnormal and functionless mass of [[tissue]] within a living body that is not inflammatory and arises from pre-existent tissue. This can either be benign (non-cancer) or malignant ([[cancer]]).  Malignant tumors (cancer) are more invasive and can spread ([[metastasis|metastasize]]) to other parts of the body. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, cancer was (as of 2004) the second leading cause of death in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/lcod.htm|title=NCHS FASTATS}}</ref> However, internally even benign tumors can cause harm, for example, by occupying space or exerting pressure on adjacent organs or tissues.

[[Category:Medicine]]

[[Category:Medicine]]

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==== References ====

 

==== External links ====

* [http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001310.htm Medical encyclopædia entry (as mirrored on nih.gov)]

* [http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001310.htm Medical encyclopædia entry (as mirrored on nih.gov)]