There’s a common misconception that all tumors grow at the same rate, but that’s not the case. The growth of tumors largely depends on the type of tumor, genetics, and the organs it affects. Imaging tests are essential for early detection of tumors, especially fast-growing, aggressive tumors, as this is the only way to monitor tumor growth before it becomes dangerous. This blog will outline the science behind tumor growth, give insights into aggressive and fast-growing tumors, and explain how early detection can help you stay ahead and be proactive about your health.
What Does It Mean When a Tumor Is “Fast-Growing”?
Tumor Doubling Time
The time it takes for tumors to double in size typically depends on the type of tumor1. Fast-growing tumors tend to double in days to weeks, whereas slow-growing tumors may take months to years. Take the example of small-cell lung cancer vs. prostate cancer. Small-cell lung cancer tends to grow much faster, having a doubling time of 25 - 30 days, whereas prostate cancers are much slower growing, taking 2 - 4 years for their growth to double2,3.
What’s Considered a Fast-Growing Tumor?
For some tumors, a doubling time of around 30 days is considered fast-growing4. Even with aggressive and fast-growing forms of cancer, fast intervention and early detection can lead to significantly better outcomes1. Knowing the growth rates of tumors using imaging techniques like computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans is vital to guide treatment timelines and monitor how well tumors respond to treatment.
How Fast Do Tumors Actually Grow?
How quickly a tumor grows varies significantly from patient to patient, even in those with the same type of cancer1. Tumors can develop from just a few millimeters to life-threatening sizes in less than a year. The concerning thing is that this rapid growth is exponential rather than linear, meaning that the tumor can double in size as time progresses.
Why Size and Not Just Stage Matters in Cancer Progression
Tumor size is an important factor that directly influences the prognosis, treatment options, and surgical outcomes across many different types of cancer. Generally, smaller tumors are associated with better survival rates and outcomes, whereas larger tumors often come with a poorer prognosis because of limited treatment options. Cancers like breast, hepatocellular carcinoma, and colorectal, with tumors of less than 2 centimetres, have higher survival rates as they can usually be surgically removed at earlier stages5,6. However, tumor size doesn’t always reflect how aggressive a cancer is or whether it has spread. Some small tumors may have already spread to other parts of the body (metastasized), and others may grow large but stay localized to one area1.
Many people wonder how long it takes for cancer to progress from stage I to IV. This largely depends on the type of cancer, but for aggressive cancers like small-cell lung cancer and lymphoma, it can be months1. Whereas for slower-growing cancers, it could be years. This is why it’s important to speak to your healthcare provider as soon as symptoms arise, as early screening and detection could prevent tumors from growing and spreading while remaining undetected.
The Most Aggressive Cancers and How Fast They Can Grow
Recognizing which cancers grow the fastest and the speed at which they can progress highlights the importance of early detection. Here are some examples of the most aggressive and deadliest cancers, categorized by their behavior, which populations they affect, and their rates of survival.
Pancreatic Cancer
Growth Pattern: Rapid spread to nearby organs, such as the liver. Often has minimal early symptoms
Time from Stage I to IV: Often under a year7
Survival Rate (5-year): Around 12 percent7
Common In: Both men and women, with most diagnoses occurring in patients over 607
Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Growth Pattern: Doubling time of 25 - 30 days, alongside high chances of metastasis2,8
Time from Stage I to IV: As little as 3 - 6 months due to its rapid growth8
Survival Rate (5-year): Around 7 percent9
Common In: Primarily older adult smokers, with men being slightly more susceptible9
Glioblastoma (Brain Cancer)
Growth Pattern: Can spread to surrounding brain tissue quickly, making surgical removal difficult10
Time from Stage I to IV: Can be weeks to months in those with symptoms10
Survival Rate (5-year): Around 5 percent11
Common In: Both sexes, but 1.5 times more common in males11,12
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)
Growth Pattern: TNBC is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer, with faster progression and poorer outcomes compared to other forms of breast cancer13,14
Time from Stage I to IV: 6 - 12 months due to its fast growth and likelihood of metastasis13
Survival Rate (5-year): 5-year overall survival rate is 77 percent, with early prognosis and lack of metastasis leading to much better survival rates13
Common In: Females, with black females being 2.7 times more at risk13. Carriers of the BRCA1 gene have a 55 - 72 percent higher risk of developing breast cancer13
Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma)
Growth Pattern: Around 25 percent are fast-growing, with doubling times of 3 - 8 months15. Cirrhosis (liver scarring and damage) and alcohol-related issues can cause a more aggressive disease15,16
Time from Stage I to IV: Often within a year, patients with cirrhosis or chronic viral hepatitis are more susceptible to faster progression16
Survival Rate (5-year): Around 20 - 22 percent17
Common In: Males are more susceptible than females, especially those with hepatitis or alcohol-related liver disease16
Why These Cancers Are So Dangerous
Silent Until It’s Too Late
Pancreatic, liver, and ovarian cancers often have no early symptoms and may be left undetected until late-stage. By the time symptoms are present, these cancers can have spread to other parts of the body. Early screening helps you to catch these cancers, even before symptoms appear.
Why Aggressive Doesn’t Always Mean Incurable
Aggressive and fast-growing cancers can be treated if caught early, leading to much better outcomes. At Ezra, we offer a full-body MRI scan, which enables early identification of abnormalities across 13 organs. If you are experiencing symptoms of cancer or are at a high risk of developing cancer, speak to your healthcare provider and consider booking in for our full-body MRI scan.
How Early Detection Changes the Game
Early detection is the only way to track tumor growth. An MRI scan can screen for abnormalities even when they’re just a few millimeters big, before symptoms appear and before disease spread. Ezra scans use radiation-free, AI-enhanced imaging to deliver safe and fast results. Baseline imaging helps to screen for differences between scans, helping you and your healthcare provider have a clear comparison of any changes.
FAQs
Q: How fast can cancer grow without symptoms?
A: Many types of cancer can grow for months or years without causing any symptoms. This depends on the type of cancer, its growth rate, and location1,2,3.
Q: Can Ezra’s MRI detect aggressive cancers?
A: Yes, Ezra’s MRI can screen for abnormalities, even including aggressive types of cancers.
Q: Do fast-growing tumors always mean worse outcomes?
A: Not always, fast-growing tumors are usually more aggressive and more likely to spread to other parts of the body, but early detection and treatment can still improve prognosis1.
Q: Is colon cancer fast-growing?
A: Typically, colon cancer is slow-growing, but some subtypes may grow more quickly1.
Q: Is pancreatic cancer fast-growing?
A: Pancreatic cancer is generally fast-growing. Usually, progression from early stage to late stage happens in around a year7.
Q: Is prostate cancer fast-growing?
A: Most prostate cancers are slow-growing and don’t cause any symptoms for many years1. Some more aggressive subtypes can progress more quickly.
Q: Is kidney cancer fast-growing?
A: This depends on the type of kidney cancer, some types can be slow-growing without symptoms for many years, but some can progress quickly1.
Q: Is rectal cancer fast-growing?
A: Rectal cancer is typically slow-growing, but some subtypes may grow more quickly1.
Q: Is bladder cancer fast-growing?
A: This depends on the type of bladder cancer and whether it has spread to muscle19. Non-muscle invasive (has not spread) bladder cancers are typically slower growing than bladder cancers that are muscle invasive19.
Q: Is liver cancer fast-growing?
A: Typically, liver cancer is fast-growing, especially in patients who have cirrhosis or chronic liver disease15,16.
Q: Is breast cancer fast-growing?
A: Usually, breast cancer is slow-growing and may not cause any symptoms for years, but subtypes like TNBC can grow and spread more quickly1,13,14.
Q: Is thyroid cancer fast-growing?
A: Thyroid cancer tends to be slower growing, but some subtypes, like anaplastic thyroid cancer, are fast-growing and significantly more aggressive20.
Q: Is ovarian cancer fast-growing?
A: The growth rate of ovarian cancer varies depending on the type, some ovarian cancers grow without any symptoms until they reach an advanced stage1.
Ezra offers fast, non-invasive full-body MRI scans that can detect abnormalities in up to 13 organs. Take control of your health with early detection—book your Ezra Scan today.
