Benign Tumor : Overview
Noncancerous growths in the body are known as benign tumors. They have borders, slow growth, and can appear anywhere in the body. They don't spread to other body areas as malignant tumors. One may assume it is a malignant tumor immediately if you find a lump or mass in the body that can be felt from the outside. For instance, women who self-examine their breasts and discover lumps are frequently worried. The majority of breast tumors are benign, and many growths on the body are benign. Over 90% of breast tissue changes are harmless, and benign growths are prevalent. Similar to other cancers, benign bone tumors are more common than malignant ones.
Types
Different types of benign tumors are
- Adenomas
- Lipomas
- Myomas
- Fibroids
- Nevi
- Hemangiomas
- Meningiomas
- Neuromas
- Osteomas
Symptoms
Many benign tumors have no symptoms at all. However, if they are large enough to put pressure on body parts, they might cause:
- Bleeding
- Headaches, seizures, trouble seeing
- Trouble breathing
- Pain or discomfort in any area of your body
Benign tumors are frequently visible and felt on the skin. They could be
- Discolored (often red or brown)
- Raised, like bumps
- Firm or soft
- Round, with smooth, even edges
- Smooth or rough to the touch
When To See a Doctor?
Even though many tumors and abnormal cells turn out benign, it's still a good idea to schedule a visit with the doctor as soon as possible if you notice a growth or any new symptoms that could lead to a tumor. This includes moles with an unusual appearance or skin lesions.
Additionally, it's essential to see a physician if anyone observes any growth or alteration in the symptoms of a tumor previously determined to be benign. Early detection might significantly alter the outcome because certain harmless tumor types have a long latency before turning malignant.
Causes and risks
The exact cause of a benign tumor is often unknown but usually develops when the body's cells divide and expand too quickly. The body usually manages to keep cell division and development under control. When a cell dies or becomes damaged, new, healthy cells are produced in its place. The same processes govern cancer cell growth.
Cancerous cells can infiltrate neighboring tissue and spread to other body regions, unlike the cells in benign tumors. Although the exact cause of benign tumor development is unknown, there are some possible explanations. While it's unclear why benign tumors develop, potential causes have been identified. These include
- Environmental factors, such as toxins, radiation, and chemicals
- Inflammation or infection
- Diet
- Local trauma or injury
- Stress
- Genetics
- Problems with the body's immune system
- Benzene and other chemicals exposure
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Environmental toxins
- Excessive sunlight exposure
- Genetic problems
- Obesity
- Radiation exposure
Even children can develop benign tumors, though adults are more prone to develop them as they age.
Prevention
Yes, Benign tumors could be prevented by doing the following:
- Maintain normal body weight
- Avoid tobacco use
- Avoid alcohol
Diagnosis and treatment
Benign tumors may occasionally be discovered when performing a self-exam, getting screened, or having imaging done for another purpose. The doctor will request particular tests to evaluate whether it is malignant. Depending on the location of the tumor, testing could include:
- Biopsy A medical professional performs a biopsy by removing a portion of tissue and then dissecting the cells under a microscope.
- Imaging tests A CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound can produce highly detailed pictures of your body's internal organs and cancers.
- Mammogram A mammogram can detect abnormal growths or changes in breast tissue.
- X-ray X-rays produce inside images of your body, commonly of bone.
- USG This test uses sound waves to generate pictures of organs inside the body.
- CT Scan
The X Rays and Computerised Technology are Combined together in this Diagnostic test for Detection of Tumors.
Doctors can identify benign tumors because they often have a visible protective sac border. To look for cancer indicators, your doctor may also order blood tests.
Treatment
Not all benign tumors require treatment but should be carefully monitored. For instance, colon polyps or noncancerous moles may eventually develop into cancer. If the doctor decides to continue the course of therapy, the particular course of action will determine where the tumor is located. For example, if it's on the face or neck, it could be removed for cosmetic reasons. Surgery frequently removes other tumors affecting blood, arteries, nerves, or other organs to prevent further complications.
- Watch-and-wait Your doctor could advise a wait-and-wait approach if the tumor is small and not causing any symptoms. In some situations, treatment can carry more risk than leaving the malignancy untreated. Some cancers won't ever require therapy.
- Medication Some tumors, including hemangiomas, may be reduced with medicated gels or creams. Some tumors may also be reduced or shrunk by steroids, resulting in sensations like pressure or discomfort.
- Surgery Endoscopic procedures, in which the equipment is placed in tube-like devices, are frequently used in tumor surgery. This procedure requires fewer, smaller surgical incisions and accelerates healing. Upper endoscopies and colonoscopies, for example, usually never require a recuperation period. Essential recovery treatments, including changing the bandage and keeping it covered, are necessary for skin tumor biopsies since they take a few weeks to heal completely.
- Radiation
If the tumor cannot be successfully treated through surgery, the doctor may recommend radiation therapy to help shrink or stop it from getting more significant.
The recovery period will be longer the more intrusive the procedure. For instance, it may take longer to recover following the excision of a benign brain tumor. To address the issues the tumor left behind, you could still require speech therapy, occupational therapy, or physical therapy after it has been removed.
Benign Tumor vs. Malignant Tumor
Benign and malignant tumors have distinct characteristics, and some of these properties make diagnosing the tumor easier for doctors.
| Benign Tumor | Malignant Tumor |
| Typically grow slowly | Can grow quickly |
| Do not Spread into surrounding tissue or organs | Have irregular borders |
| Have smooth, distinct borders | Can Spread into surrounding tissue or organs |
| Do not invade other parts of the body | Can spread to other parts of the body |
As long as the tumor isn’t causing you pain or discomfort, and it isn’t changing or growing, you can live with a benign tumor indefinitely.
