Benign tumors are non-cancerous cells that grow anywhere in the body. They do not spread to other parts until they reach the stage of cancer like in Malignant tumors. Pushpawati Singhania Hospital & Research Institute (PSRI Hospital) is a multi-specialty hospital that has gained a renowned name in the industry. The hospital is famous for providing quality services for specialties like oncology, urology, fertility, orthopedics, and others.
A benign tumor can be formed anywhere in any part of the body. It is associated with the formation of a lump or mass that persists out of the body. It immediately can turn cancerous which can be felt if left untreated. For example, a woman who finds a lump on both of her breasts may consider it a benign tumor. Any growth that is there outside the body is a benign tumor. Nearly 9 out of 10 women show the sign of breast tissue changes. Benign tumors may have a similar prevalence. It can turn malignant and then cancerous.
Causes of benign tumors
The exact cause of the benign tumor often goes unknown. It is developed when cells in the body grow at an excessive rate. During normal functioning, the body balances the growth of cells and division. When old or damaged cells die, they are replaced automatically with new cells. But, in the case of a tumor, old, damaged, and dead cells remain there in the body and grow like a tumor. Cancer cells grow in the same manner.
Types of benign tumors
Benign tumors can develop in any part of the human body. Benign tumors are classified on the type of site they grow. For example, Lipomas grow from fat cells and myomas grow from muscles. There are different types of benign tumors. These are classified below:
- Adenomas– They are formed in the thin layer of tissues that further cover the glands, organs, and other internal organs.
- Lipomas– They grow from fat cells and make the most common type of tumor. They are found on sites like the back, arms, or neck. They are made of soft structure, round in shape, and are moved slightly under the skin.
- Myomas– They grow from muscles or in the wall of blood vessels. They can also be found in the inside organs of the uterus or stomach.
- Nevi– They are also called moles. They are common and grow on the skin.
- Fibroids or Fibromas– They grow on the fibrous tissues in any organ. They are most common in the uterus and are further known as uterine fibroids.
In many cases, Benign tumors need to be monitored carefully. This is because non-cancerous tumors can turn into cancer at a later time. Some benign tumors are related to the variation of other problems. For example, Uterine Fibroids cause pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding in some internal portions. It may also restrict the blood vessels from the flow of blood and may cause pain on pressing. The fact is anyone can develop a benign tumor. This can be developed in children, adults, or elders. Age is not a restriction in the case of benign tumors. It is more likely to develop with the increase in age.
Symptoms of benign tumors
Depending on the location, there are different symptoms of benign tumors. These include:
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Severe pain or discomfort
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
The size of a benign tumor varies. It may be large enough to see or detect and may be found very close to the skin. In certain cases, they can be removed directly. For example, in the case of Lipomas Benign Tumors, they are easy to detect. They are soft, movable, and are painless. If anything looks abnormal, try to reach out to your doctor.
In certain cases, Benign Tumor turns Malignant and become cancerous
Benign tumors stay at the primary location. They do not spread to other parts or distant body parts. Benign tumors tend to grow slowly. They have distinct borders and growth styles. There are specific types of benign tumors that often turn malignant. These need to be monitored closely. Some surgeries further remove such tumors. For example colon polyps, they can become malignant and are thus removed surgically.
Malignant tumors have cells that grow uncontrollably. They often spread locally or distinct parts of the body. The stage is called metastasis. The stage of metastasis is very common in the lungs, brain, and bones. There are three types of benign tumor and these are:
- Benign– they are non-cancerous and they do not spread or grow. They grow slowly and once developed persists there on the part. Your doctor may recommend a special type of surgery for this type of tumor.
- Premalignant– these are yet non-cancerous tumors. But, they have the potential to grow in other parts and become cancerous.
- Malignant– these are cancerous types of tumor. Once developed, they spread to other parts.
It is still the topic of research about how the tumor cells will behave in the future after they are developed. For example, benign tumors can become premalignant or malignant and they need to be monitored regularly.
Conclusion
Sometimes, Benign tumors need to be monitored only. Some are treated with medication and some need surgery to remove. Some will disappear after a time and this is true for benign tumors in the case of children only. Some may also develop to metastasis stage and spread to distant parts.
Pushpawati Singhania Hospital is equipped with the latest technology that caters to providing quality services to all its patients. It has attained expertise in different types of oncology fields. The hospital was established in 1996 and has become Asia’s first and India’s first foremost institute. Create the difference with your oncology or cancerous treatments by visiting the PSRI hospital