Benign refers to a condition, tumor, or growth that is not cancerous. This means that it does not spread to other parts of the body. It does not invade nearby tissue. Sometimes, a condition is called benign to suggest it is not dangerous or serious. In general, a benign tumor grows slowly and is not harmful.
Benign tumors are not usually problematic. However, they can become large and compress structures nearby, causing pain or other medical complications. For example, a large benign lung tumor could compress the trachea (windpipe) and cause difficulty in breathing. This would warrant urgent surgical removal.
Even though most benign tumors are harmless and can be left alone, it's important they be monitored. And any tumor that is painful or growing requires a visit to the doctor.
(beh-NINE) Not cancer. Benign tumors may grow larger but do not spread to other parts of the body. Also called nonmalignant.
What's a benign tumor? Benign tumors aren't cancerous and are usually not life-threatening. But like their malignant cousins, they develop when cells grow abnormally, and they may form anywhere in the body, though benign cells don't typically invade nearby tissue or spread—they're contained to the tumor.
While many benign tumors do not need treatment, some do, especially if they are causing symptoms. Usually if a benign tumor requires treatment, we remove it surgically. Whenever possible, we use minimally invasive techniques, which require small incisions and have minimal recovery time.
Additionally, it is possible that a biopsy could identify precancerous cells or miss an area of tissue in which cancerous cells are more prevalent. In any of these scenarios, a lump that was initially believed to be benign could later be identified as malignant after it further grows and develops.
Benign (non-cancerous) brain tumours can usually be successfully removed with surgery and do not usually grow back. It often depends on whether the surgeon is able to safely remove all of the tumour. If there's some left, it can either be monitored with scans or treated with radiotherapy.
In many cases, benign tumors need no treatment. Doctors may simply use "watchful waiting" to make sure they cause no problems. But treatment may be needed if symptoms are a problem. Surgery is a common type of treatment for benign tumors.
Benign means it is not cancer. Benign tumours: usually grow quite slowly. don't spread to other parts of the body.
Most benign tumors are not harmful, and are unlikely to affect other parts of the body. However, they can cause pain or other problems if they press against nerves or blood vessels or trigger the overproduction of hormones, as in the endocrine system.
Lumps that are benign (not cancer) may be tender and feel smooth and mobile. A cancerous lump is more likely to feel hard, but some non-cancerous lumps can feel hard, too.
Benign tumors grow only in one place. They cannot spread or invade other parts of your body. Even so, they can be dangerous if they press on vital organs, such as your brain.
The smaller the tumor on a radiograph the more likely it is to be benign as 80% of lung nodules less than 2 cm in diameter are benign. Most benign nodules are smoothed radiopaque densities with clear margins but these are not exclusive signs of benign tumors.
Because they aren't cancerous they can often be successfully treated, but they're still serious and can be life threatening. If the tumour can't be completely removed, there's a risk it could grow back.
Many benign and malignant tumors can be treated with minimally invasive techniques, which usually avoid the pain, discomfort and longer recovery times of traditional surgery. These procedures may require only limited anesthesia and can be a viable option for many individuals who are not candidates for surgery.
New cells form when your body does not need them, and old cells do not die when they should. These extra cells can divide without stopping and may form tumor. Treatment often involves surgery. Benign tumors usually don't grow back.
“Most benign tumors aren't life-threatening. They can be left alone as they are unlikely to cause damage to any other areas of your body. In fact, many individuals carry benign tumors that don't require treatment, such as moles, throughout their lives.”
MRI is very good at zeroing in on some kinds of cancers. By looking at your body with MRI, doctors may be able to see if a tumor is benign or cancerous. According to the World Health Organization, survival rates for many types of cancer are significantly higher with early detection.
Common types of benign tumors
Tumors called neuromas can also grow in nerves. The oncologist will likely operate on the patient to remove these. The oncologist will frequently see osteochondromas, which are a type of benign bone tumor.
Chronic stress can activate the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system, cause the release of endocrine hormones and promote the occurrence and development of tumors.
A benign tumor is not malignant. It grows more slowly, has even borders and doesn't spread to other parts of your body. Many benign tumors don't require treatment.
What can you do? “Unfortunately, a CT scan is unable to show whether a nodule is benign or not,” says Dr. Wong. “It is important to be proactive about a nodule because earlier detection of lung cancer can make a huge difference in the outcome.”