Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Integrative Oncology

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Integrative Oncology 1. Tumor vs. Cancer While these terms are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings. A tumor refers to an abnormal growth of cells, which may or may not be cancerous. On the other hand, cancer specifically denotes a malignant tumor, capable of invading surrounding tissues. So, every cancer is a tumor, but not every tumor is cancerous. 2. Metastasis vs. Localized Metastasis refers to the spread of cancer cells from the primary site to other parts of the body. It indicates an advanced stage of cancer. In contrast, localized means the cancer is confined to a specific area and has not spread. Understanding the stage of cancer is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment approach. 3. Palliative vs. Curative These terms are often used when discussing treatment goals. Palliative treatment aims to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and provide comfort, especially in advanced stages of cancer. Curative treatment, on the other hand, intends to eliminate the cancer completely. The choice between these approaches depends on various factors, including the stage and type of cancer.