Benign Tumor Types and their Treatments

Tumors are uncontrolled growths of cells that serve no purpose. Benign tumors are not cancerous tumors. Cancer can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. When it comes to benign tumors, the outlook is typically very positive. The danger comes from benign tumors pressing on vital structures like blood vessels or nerves. Thus, sometimes they require treatment, and other times they do not.

Benign tumors and their causes

Benign tumors are often caused by unknown factors. However, benign tumor growth may be linked to:

• Radiation exposure and other environmental toxins
• The genetics of an individual
• Regimen
• Stress
• Trauma or injury on the local level
• The inflammation or infection of the body

Benign Tumors:

Treatment

It is often not necessary to treat benign tumors. A physician may simply wait to ensure there are no complications. However, if symptoms are severe, treatment may be required. Surgery is one of the most common treatments for benign tumors. Tumors should be removed while causing minimal damage to neighboring tissues. Radiation and medication are other types of treatment.

Types of benign tumors

It is possible to develop benign tumors on various structures within the body. Benign tumors can be classified into the following categories:

An adenoma is a benign tumor that forms in the epithelial tissue of a gland or gland-like structure. The epithelial tissue encompasses the organs, glands, and other structures of the body. Polyps in the colon are a common type of adenoma. Occasionally, adenomas develop in the liver or in the adrenal glands, pituitary glands, or thyroid glands.

An adenoma can be surgically removed if necessary. These tumors are rare, but they can develop into malignant tumors. Fewer than one out of every ten colon adenomas become cancerous.

 

Fibromas (or fibroids) are tumors made up of fibrous or connective tissue that can grow on any organ. The uterus is a common site for fibroids to grow. In addition to causing heavy bleeding, bladder problems, and pelvic pain, uterine fibroids may also lead to cancer.

Desmoid tumors are another type of fibrous tissue tumor. By growing into nearby tissues, these tumors can cause problems.

 Surgical removal may be necessary for fibrous tissue tumors, since they can cause symptoms.

The growth of blood vessel cells in the skin or inside the body is called a hemangioma. Birthmarks called hemangiomas are a common type of birthmark, most often found on the head, neck, and trunk. They may have a reddish or blueish appearance. In most cases, they depart on their own. Corticosteroids might be prescribed for those who experience vision, hearing, or eating difficulties.

 

Lipomas develop from fat cells. They are the most common benign tumors in adults, usually found in the neck, shoulders, back, or arms. Lipomas are soft, slow-growing, round, and usually movable. Sometimes they run in families and sometimes they are caused by an injury. Symptoms of lipoma, such as pain or rapid growth, may require treatment. Treatment can include steroid shots, liposuction, or surgery.

In addition to lipoblastomas, which occur in young children, hibernomas are two other benign fat tumors.

 

Meningiomas are tumors that develop in the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Nine out of ten are benign. Among many, slow growth is common while others grow rapidly. Meningiomas are treated differently according to their location and symptoms. You may experience headaches, weakness, personality changes, or visual problems.

Doctors may choose to watch a tumor for a period of time. The success of surgery depends on your age, the location of the tumor, and whether it is attached to anything. Tumors that cannot be removed with surgery may be treated with radiation.

A myoma is a tumor that develops from muscle tissue. Leiomyomas develop from smooth muscle, which can be found in internal organs such as the stomach and uterus. A tumor can start in the wall of a blood vessel. The wall of the uterus is full of leiomyomas, which are commonly called fibroids. Rhabdomyomas are benign tumors of the skeletal muscle. Tumors such as these can simply be observed. A medication may shrink them, or they can be surgically removed.

Nevi (moles) are skin growths. Their color can range from pink to tan to brown to black. New moles may appear until about the age of 40. Those moles that look different from ordinary moles (dysplastic nevi) are more likely to develop into a form of skin cancer (melanoma). That is why it is important to have your skin checked by a health care professional regularly. Your moles should be checked if they look unusual, grow or change in shape, have irregular borders or change in color. It is sometimes necessary to remove moles like this to find out if there are any cancerous cells.

 

Neuromas arise from nerves. Neurofibromas and schwannomas are two other types of nerve tumors. Benign nerve tumors can occur almost anywhere in the body's nerves. People with neurofibromatosis, an inherited condition, are more likely to develop neurofibromas. A benign nerve tumor is most commonly treated with surgery.

 

Osteochondromas are benign bone tumors most commonly found. Usually, these tumors appear as painless bumps or bumps near a joint, such as a knee or shoulder. A benign tumor can usually be seen on an X-ray. In the case of nerve pain or high blood pressure that occurs as a result of the tumor, surgery may be needed.

 

Papillomas are tumors that grow from epithelial tissue and form finger-like fronds. There are benign and malignant forms of these tumors. These cancers can grow on the skin, the cervix, the breast duct, or the mucous membrane inside the eyelid (conjunctiva), for example. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections can lead to these tumors after direct contact. Papillomas sometimes go away on their own. Occasionally, surgery is needed to eliminate cancer.