Which tumors are benign

Resources Reference Desk Find an Expert. Treatment often involves surgery. Benign tumors usually don't grow back. Diagnosis and Tests. Treatments and Therapies. Related Issues. Tumor vs. Cyst: What's the Difference? Clinical Trials. Benign Tumors -- see more articles.

Malignant tumors are cancerous, and the cells can spread to other parts of the body. Tumors can vary in size from a tiny nodule to a large mass, depending on the type, and they can appear almost anywhere on the body. Benign : These are not cancerous. They either cannot spread or grow, or they do so very slowly. If a doctor removes them, they do not generally return. Premalignant : In these tumors, the cells are not yet cancerous, but they have the potential to become malignant.

Malignant : Malignant tumors are cancerous. The cells can grow and spread to other parts of the body. It is not always clear how a tumor will act in the future. Some benign tumors can become premalignant and then malignant.

For this reason, it is best to monitor any growth. However, they can cause pain or other problems if they press against nerves or blood vessels or if they trigger the overproduction of hormones, as in the endocrine system. Adenomas develop in glandular epithelial tissue, which is the thin membrane that covers glands, organs, and other structures in the body.

Adenomas do not start as cancer. However, some can change and become adenocarcinomas, which are cancerous. Learn more about fibroadenomas of the breast here. Fibroids , or fibromas, are benign tumors that can grow on the fibrous or connective tissue of any organ. Some fibromas can cause symptoms and may need surgery. In rare cases, fibroids can change and become fibrosarcomas. These are cancerous. Learn more about dermatofibromas. They are often present at birth and disappear during childhood.

Hemangiomas do not usually need treatment, but laser surgery and other options are available if they do not go away. Find out more here about internal hemangiomas.

Lipomas are a form of soft tissue tumor and consist of fat cells. Most lipomas are small, painless, rubbery, soft to the touch, and movable. They often appear on the back, shoulders, arms, buttocks, and the tops of the legs. Types of lipoma include fibrolipomas, which contain fat cells and fibrous connective tissue, and angiolipomas, which appear under the skin. Find out more about angiolipomas here. Sometimes, actinic keratosis will transform into squamous cell carcinoma , so doctors usually recommend treating it.

In cervical dysplasia, a change occurs in the cells that line the cervix. A doctor may find these cells during a Pap smear. They vary in size, shape, and color, like shades of pink, tan, brown, or black. Check with your doctor if a mole has changed in color and size or has spread. This may indicate skin cancer and require removal.

Osteochondromas are the most common noncancerous bone tumors in children and young adults. They happen when there's an overgrowth of cartilage and bone. Common symptoms include joint or muscle pain, one limb being shorter than the other, or a hard mass. In most cases, these tumors don't need treatment unless they're painful. Medication can treat the tumor or symptoms, and an X-ray can show where the tumor is and determine if surgery is needed. Q: Why do these tumors form?

Q: How are benign tumors treated? Tags: Expert Advice. Popular Categories. Popular Topics. Women's Health.

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