Glossary / Lexicon

Deutsch: Tumor / Español: Tumor / Português: Tumor / Français: Tumeur / Italiano: Tumore

The tumor is the morbid enlargement or new growth of tissue in which the multiplication of cells is uncontrolled and progressive. The tumor growth is often arranged in nonorganized ways, does not serve any functional purpose, and often grows at the expense of surrounding intact tissue.

In psychology, a tumor refers primarily to a physical growth within the body that may have psychological impacts depending on its location, particularly if it affects the brain. While a tumor is essentially a medical or biological condition, its presence and the challenges it presents can have significant psychological effects.

Description

When a tumor affects the brain, it can influence cognitive functions, emotional regulation, and behavior due to its impact on neural structures. Brain tumors can lead to changes in personality, cognitive impairments, mood swings, and other psychological symptoms. The location and size of the tumor often determine the nature of the psychological effects. For example, tumors in the frontal lobe can lead to alterations in personality and decision-making, while those in the temporal lobe might affect memory and emotional stability.

Moreover, the diagnosis of a tumor and the subsequent medical treatments (such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy) can lead to psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and significant stress. This emotional burden is not only borne by the patient but can also affect family members and caregivers.

Application Areas

Psychological considerations related to tumors include:

• Neuropsychology: Studies the impact of brain tumors on cognitive functions and behavior.
• Health psychology: Focuses on coping mechanisms and psychological support for patients dealing with tumors and their treatments.
• Psycho-oncology: A subfield of psychology that specifically addresses the psychological, social, behavioral, and ethical aspects of cancer treatment.

Well-Known Examples

Psychological research related to tumors often involves:

• Studies on the cognitive and behavioral effects of brain tumors.
• Research on the psychological adjustment to cancer diagnosis and treatment, exploring factors that influence resilience and recovery.

Treatment and Risks

Psychological treatment for individuals with tumors may involve cognitive rehabilitation to manage cognitive deficits caused by the tumor or its treatment. Psychological and psychiatric support is also crucial for addressing mood disorders, anxiety, or stress associated with the illness and its treatment.

The risks of not addressing the psychological impact of tumors include a lower quality of life, poorer treatment adherence, and potentially worse medical outcomes. Psychological interventions are designed to support patients and families through diagnosis, treatment, and potential end-of-life care.

Similar Terms

In psychology, related terms might include:

• Neoplasm: A medical term for tumors that encompasses both benign and malignant growths.
• Oncology: The field of medicine dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and study of cancer, which often collaborates with psycho-oncology.

Weblinks

• medizin-und-kosmetik.de: 'Tumor' im Lexikon von medizin-und-kosmetik.de (German)
• environment-database.eu: 'Tumor' in the glossary of the environment-database.eu
• environment-database.eu: 'Tumor' in the glossary of the environment-database.eu

Articles with 'Tumor' in the title

• Grading of tumors: Grading of tumors is defined as a method of evaluating the malignant features of brain tumors. The Grading is from 1 to 4, with a grade 1 tumor representing a slow-growing tumor accompanied by few neuropsychological deficits
• Metastatic tumors: Metastatic tumors refer to growths that arise secondarily to cancerous tumors that have their primary site in other parts of the body, such as the lungs, breasts, or the lymphatic system
• Infiltrative tumors: Infiltrative tumors refer to tumors that take over or infiltrate neighboring areas of the brain and destroy its tissue.
• Noninfiltrative tumors: Noninfiltrative tumors are invasive tumors encapsulated and differentiated (easily distinguished from brain tissue) cause dysfunction by compressing surrounding brain tissue
• Pituitary Tumors: Pituitary Tumors refer to tumors that arise from the Pituitary Gland. It is traditional to divide pituitary tumors into functioning and non-functioning Adenomas

Summary

In psychology, while a tumor primarily refers to a physical condition, its psychological implications are profound, particularly with brain tumors. The psychological effects and the stress of treatment can significantly impact a patient's mental health, necessitating integrated psychological care within the medical treatment plan.

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