Cancer Articles (Dr. S.N White)

Are all growths or tumors cancer? No. A tumor can be either benign ( noncancerous ) or malignant (cancerous). The word tumor itself is usually defined as "an abnormal mass of new tissue, the growth of which exceeds and is uncoordinated with that of normal tissue. " The characteristic of a tumor is cell division growth that serves no useful purpose. What is a benign tumor?  A benign tumor is a growth that is not cancerous. It has four main characteristics: • It has limited growth potential and does not usually grow rapidly. It does not destroy normal cells while it is growing. • It remains localized that is, it does not metastasize (spread to other places). • It usually does not produce any serious side effects, unless it is growing in a confined area such as the brain. • It usually has an orderly and well organized growth. Are benign tumors dangerous?  Usually benign tumors do not endanger life, even though they are examples of abnormal growth. The cells i...

Pilonidal Sinus or Cyst This is a pit or skin dimple at the base of the spine, near the upper end of the anus. It often becomes infected. It is not the human remnant of the monkey's tail, nor is it a birth defect. It is usually the result of an ingrown hair and was so common in young people in the Army that it was often referred to as jeep rider's disease. Such cysts become a surgical problem because the area can get infected and form a chronic abscess and draining dimple. Barbers are prone to the same kind of disease in the fingers, where the handle of the scissors presses on the hairy skin near the knuckle area. My brother has the same dimple, but he is not infected. The condition tends to run in families. The cause of the infection is not always clear, but very hairy and overweight people are especially susceptible. Does it have to be treated if there is only a dimple; are there any special precautions to avoid trouble?  It is only treated if it becomes infected....