TUMORS
What is it?
Like in humans, the full reasons for tumors are not fully understood. Tumors in fish are most often caused by genetics. This usually occurs from too much hybridization, when they are interbred again and again to get more attractive traits.

They can also be caused by a skin virus or cancer. Depending on the type of tumor, they may or may not be cancerous. If they are cancerous they will generally kill the fish fairly quickly. If they are benign, i.e. not cancerous, the fish may live quite happily with the growth. If it interferes with swimming or eating, it may have to be removed.

Symptoms:
An usual growth of tissue, from small to very large. May occur on any part of the body, and may grow at varying speeds.

Cure:
Removal is the only treatment. This may help with benign growths if it interferes with the fishes lifestyle. If the growth is cancerous, removal may cure it although this is not likely. The cancer will have most likely spread to other parts of the body, or it the removal doesn't get all the cancer cells. One single cell left after removal can still cause death.



Remember, water quality is always extremely important- so always check that first as it is often the cause of disease in aquarium fish. When treating sick fish, try to put the least amount of stress on them as possible, as stress will hinder the heeling process. Another thing is to remember is that generally, a healthy fish is a happy fish.

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