Benign
What is a Benign Tumor?
A benign tumor is an overgrowth of cells that are generally not cancerous. They do not spread to other parts of the body, and rarely become life-threatening. Although a benign tumor can still cause significant medical problems, it is typically easily treateable. Common benign tumors include:
- Meningiomas
- Fibromas
- Lipomas
- Hemangiomas
- Gliomas
- Pituitary adenomas
Benign tumors are usually noncancerous, meaning they do not spread to other areas. They can grow very large, however, and can cause medical problems if left untreated. While some may be felt as a lump under the skin, others may remain unnoticed until they cause pressure or interfere with the organ’s function.
Diagnosis of Benign Tumors
The diagnosis of a benign tumor typically begins with a physical exam. Your doctor may order further tests such as imaging to confirm the diagnosis like X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, or a biopsy of the tumor. A biopsy involves taking a sample of the tumor cells and examining them under a microscope to determine if they are cancerous or noncancerous.
Treatment of Benign Tumors
Treatment for benign tumors often depends on the type of tumor, its size, the location, and the severity. Usually, the goal of treatment is to remove the tumor. A medical team will examine the best surgical method for each individual case. Common surgeries for benign tumors include:
- Laparoscopic surgery – A surgery done inside the abdomen, performed through small incisions in the abdominal wall.
- Radiation therapy – A treatment used to destroy tumor cells through radiation.
- Cryosurgery – A procedure that involves using extreme cold temperatures to freeze and kill the tumor cells.
- Chemotherapy – A treatment used to kill cancerous cells in the body with drugs.
For some benign tumors, doctors may also prescribe special medications that can reduce the size of the tumor or slow its growth. In some cases, doctors may recommend monitoring the tumor without any treatment to ensure it does not become cancerous.