Our bodies are made up of tiny structures called cells which are not visible to the naked eye. Groups of cells form the tissues and organs of the body and each of these, such as the brain, liver, kidneys and lungs, has a very particular function. Cells reproduce themselves, when necessary, by dividing in a regular orderly fashion so that the growth and repair of the body tissues can take place. Disease can disrupt this normal function in a variety of ways. Sometimes there is an uncontrollable growth of cells causing a swelling of a tumour.
Benign tumours remain contained within a localised area and once treated.
Often by surgery, so not usually cause any further problems. A wart is an example of a benign tumour. Cancer cells may also be carried in the lymphatic system which normally helps the body to fight infection. Cancer is a word used to describe many different diseases which have different causes and which are treated in different ways. All cancers are treatable although not all curable.