Patient Leaflets — 8/11/2026

What Is the Difference Between a Tumour, Cancer and Metastasis?

A tumour is an abnormal mass of tissue.

Questions You're Afraid to Ask

Tumour

A tumour is an abnormal mass of tissue.

Some tumours are benign, meaning they are not cancer.

Others are malignant, meaning they are cancer.

Cancer

Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled way and may invade surrounding tissues or spread elsewhere.

Metastasis

Metastasis means that cancer cells have spread from the original site to another part of the body.

For example, breast cancer that spreads to the bones is still breast cancer, not bone cancer.

Why is this important?

Understanding these terms helps you understand scan and pathology reports and conversations with your doctors.

Remember

Medical terminology can sound frightening.

Ask your doctor to translate your report into ordinary language.

This information is intended for education and supportive care. It does not replace consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional. If you have cancer, do not stop, delay or change prescribed cancer treatment because of information found on this website. Tell your cancer-care team about all medicines, Ayurvedic preparations, herbs, vitamins and supplements you use.

Reliable sources: National Cancer Institute (NCI), World Health Organization (WHO), relevant national cancer-care guidelines, and appropriate peer-reviewed evidence.

Dr. Aakash Kembhavi

MD (Ayu-Shalya), PGDMLS, MS (Counseling & Psychotherapy) | Academician, Clinician & Researcher | Chief Editor, International Journal of Ayurveda

Founder of Cancer Support India.