InitialCancerTumor

What is a tumor?

A tumor is an uncontrolled growth of cells that forms a mass. Tumors are classified as benign or malignant. Benign tumors are not cancerous—they grow slowly and do not spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors are cancerous: they can invade surrounding tissues and reach other areas of the body through the blood or lymph. This process is called metastasis.

What is cancer?

Cancer is a disease caused by the uncontrolled multiplication and spread of altered cells. There are many types of cancer: breast, lung, colorectal, prostate, skin, and many others. The type of cancer is determined by the original source of the altered cells. For example, if breast cancer cells reach the lungs, the secondary tumor is still considered breast cancer, not lung cancer.

Challenges of Metastatic Cancer

Metastatic cancer is one of the most complex treatment challenges because the disease has already spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms depend on the primary tumor type and the location of metastases, but commonly include fatigue, weight loss, and pain. Some forms of cancer, such as skin cancer, are easier to diagnose, while others—like bone cancer—are rarer and more difficult to manage. This is why supporting the immune system is so important: a strong immune system can help recognize altered cells before they spread. Proper nutrition, reducing inflammation in the body, and supporting mitochondrial function are factors we can control ourselves.

Cancer Spread Through Metastasis

Metastasis is the process by which cancer cells travel from the primary tumor to another part of the body and form a secondary tumor there. Cells spread through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. This is why early diagnosis and continuous immune system support are so important.

Tumor Treatment

Tumor treatment depends on many factors, including the type of cancer, its location, size, and stage of spread. Treatment methods may include:

Surgical treatment: Based on the type of cancer, the carcinoma may be removed via surgery, excising the cancer cells and surrounding tissue areas. Minimally invasive surgical techniques help reduce healing time and the risk of complications.

Radiotherapy (radiation therapy): Radiotherapy may be used in conjunction with surgical or chemotherapeutic treatment. Advanced technologies in this treatment allow focusing on tumor growth and post-treatment. This therapy includes X-rays and gamma rays, and intravenously administered radioactive substances may also be used. Radiotherapy can increase the risk of cancer recurrence[1]. The side effects of this therapy depend on the dose and may appear soon or later, from several months to several years[2]. The most common side effects are weakness, but they vary depending on the type of cancer[3]. However, the side effects of radiotherapy are generally less intense than those of chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy: This is one of the most common ways to treat cancer. It involves cancer drugs, which act on rapidly dividing cells throughout the body or in a specific area of the body.

It should be noted that alcohol can be a negative factor in the fight against tumors, as it is toxic to cells. Alcohol consumption can exacerbate existing damage and have adverse effects. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid alcohol consumption.[CancerUK.org].

It has long been known that mushrooms possess an unparalleled variety of pharmacological properties and can be used as medicines. Particularly valued is Lentinan, this substance is widely researched and known for its anticancer properties. Lentinan, acting through the immune system, can stimulate immune cells such as cytokines, macrophages, and natural killer cells, which may help the body fight cancer cells[PubMed].

Where to buy the best supplements for tumors?

Tumor growth is inhibited by the immune system

Scientific reviews indicate that mushroom polysaccharides activate NK cells, macrophages, and T‑lymphocytes – the primary immune cells responsible for recognizing and eliminating altered cells [4] [5]. Lentinan AXT from Zenius Labs™ is a concentrated formula of polysaccharide extracts from several mushrooms, designed for this purpose.

More about Lentinan AXT →

Frequently asked questions

What is a tumor?

A tumor (neoplasm) is an abnormal growth of cells in the body. Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumors can spread to other organs—this is called metastasis.

Is it necessary to strengthen the immune system when having a tumor?

Yes. The immune system is the primary defense against altered cells. Mushroom polysaccharides can help activate NK cells and macrophages, which recognize and destroy tumor cells. It is important to choose a concentrated multi-extract formula, such as Lentinan AXT from Zenius Labs™.

What is the difference between a benign and malignant tumor?

A benign tumor grows slowly, does not spread to other organs, and is usually not life-threatening. A malignant tumor (cancer) grows faster, can invade surrounding tissues, and metastasize—spreading through the blood or lymph to distant parts of the body.

What are the symptoms of a tumor?

Symptoms depend on the tumor's location and type. Common signs include a lump of unknown origin, unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, pain, and unusual bleeding. Regular preventive check-ups help diagnose a tumor early.

How is a tumor treated?

Treatment depends on the type, stage, and location. The most common methods are surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Supporting the immune system during and after treatment is very important for recovery.

References
  1. What is cancer? Cancer.org
  2. What is cancer? Cancer.gov
  3. Understanding cancer. Cancer.org
  4. Antitumor polysaccharides from mushrooms: structural characteristics, antitumor mechanisms and immunomodulating activities. PubMed
  5. Medicinal mushrooms as a source of antitumor and immunomodulating polysaccharides. PubMed
  6. Wang H et al. Efficacy of biological response modifier lentinan with chemotherapy for advanced cancer: a meta-analysis. Cancer medicine. 2017. PubMed
  7. Wang Y et al. Systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of Injectable Lentinan combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of gastric cancer. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology. 2024. PubMed
  8. Oba K et al. Individual patient based meta-analysis of lentinan for unresectable/recurrent gastric cancer. Anticancer research. 2009. PubMed
  9. Gringhuis SI et al. Dectin-1 directs T helper cell differentiation by controlling noncanonical NF-kappaB activation through Raf-1 and Syk. Nature immunology. 2009. PubMed
  10. Jia XM et al. CARD9 mediates Dectin-1-induced ERK activation by linking Ras-GRF1 to H-Ras for antifungal immunity. The Journal of experimental medicine. 2014. PubMed
  11. Cheng SC et al. mTOR- and HIF-1α-mediated aerobic glycolysis as metabolic basis for trained immunity. Science (New York, N.Y.). 2014. PubMed
  12. Zhou G et al. Lentinan progress in inflammatory diseases and tumor diseases. European journal of medical research. 2024. PubMed
  13. Deng S et al. Lentinan inhibits tumor angiogenesis via interferon γ and in a T cell independent manner. Journal of experimental & clinical cancer research : CR. 2018. PubMed
  14. You J et al. Lentinan induces apoptosis of mouse hepatocellular carcinoma cells through the EGR1/PTEN/AKT signaling axis. Oncology reports. 2023. PubMed
  15. Amino M et al. [Studies on the effect of lentinan on human immune system. II. In vivo effect on NK activity, MLR induced killer activity and PHA induced blastic response of lymphocytes in cancer patients]. Gan to kagaku ryoho. Cancer & chemotherapy. 1983. PubMed
  16. Zhen C et al. Comprehensive mechanisms and advanced delivery strategies of lentinan in antitumor therapy: A review. Colloids and surfaces. B, Biointerfaces. 2026. PubMed
  17. Chihara G Recent progress in immunopharmacology and therapeutic effects of polysaccharides. Developments in biological standardization. 1992. PubMed
  18. Oba K et al. Efficacy of adjuvant immunochemotherapy with polysaccharide K for patients with curative resections of gastric cancer. Cancer immunology, immunotherapy : CII. 2007. PubMed
  19. Lu H et al. TLR2 agonist PSK activates human NK cells and enhances the antitumor effect of HER2-targeted monoclonal antibody therapy. Clinical cancer research : an official journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. 2011. PubMed
  20. Engel AL et al. Protein-bound polysaccharide activates dendritic cells and enhances OVA-specific T cell response as vaccine adjuvant. Immunobiology. 2013. PubMed
  21. Tanaka H et al. Impact of adjuvant immunochemotherapy using protein-bound polysaccharide-K on overall survival of patients with gastric cancer. Anticancer research. 2012. PubMed
  22. Chang Y et al. Preclinical and clinical studies of Coriolus versicolor polysaccharopeptide as an immunotherapeutic in China. Discovery medicine. 2017. PubMed
  23. Standish LJ et al. Trametes versicolor mushroom immune therapy in breast cancer. Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology. 2008. PubMed
  24. Kidd P Astaxanthin, cell membrane nutrient with diverse clinical benefits and anti-aging potential. Alternative medicine review : a journal of clinical therapeutic. 2011. PubMed
  25. Copat C et al. Astaxanthin in cancer therapy and prevention (Review). Biomedical reports. 2025. PubMed
  26. Li J et al. Astaxanthin Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via Inhibition of Nf-Κb P65 and Wnt/Β-Catenin in Vitro. Marine drugs. 2015. PubMed
  27. Lee J et al. Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Astaxanthin on Gastrointestinal Diseases. International journal of molecular sciences. 2022. PubMed
  28. Saini RK et al. Dietary carotenoids in cancer chemoprevention and chemotherapy: A review of emerging evidence. Pharmacological research. 2020. PubMed
  29. Geller AE et al. The induction of peripheral trained immunity in the pancreas incites anti-tumor activity to control pancreatic cancer progression. Nature communications. 2022. PubMed
  30. Dan A et al. Therapeutic Effects of Medicinal Mushrooms on Gastric, Breast, and Colorectal Cancer: A Scoping Review. Cureus. 2023. PubMed