Non-cancerous abnormal growths are called benign tumours. Unlike normal cells, these cells grow rapidly and don’t die when they should. Over time, this causes a lump or mass to form, which is called a tumour.

Students studying medicine and preparing for the NEET PG exams need to have a comprehensive understanding of benign tumours. This DocTutorial guide contains a detailed overview of benign tumours, including their types, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and more. 

Keep reading! 

What is a Benign Tumour?

A benign tumour is a growth of cells that stays in one place and doesn’t travel to other parts of the body or invade neighbouring tissues. They usually grow more slowly than cancerous (malignant) tumours and have cells that look and work more like normal cells. 

These tumours are generally surrounded by a coating of connective tissue that acts as a protective layer, or they stay in the tissue where they first developed. Fibroids in the uterus are one type of benign tumour.

Now, benign tumours are not inherently dangerous. However, if a tumour grows big enough to push on neighbouring organs or tissues, the doctor may recommend surgery to remove it.

What are the Different Kinds of Benign Tumours?

Almost every part of the body might have benign tumours. Most of the time, they are named after where they develop. Some typical categories are:

1. Adenomas: Begin in the lining of organs and glands. They often grow slowly and resemble small mushrooms.
2. Chondromas: Found in cartilage, which protects your bones and joints.
3. Fibromas or Fibroids: Form in the fibrous tissues of tendons or ligaments.
4. Hamartomas: They are a common type of benign tumour that grows in the lungs.
5. Haemangiomas: These are small, red or purple lesions on the skin that grow from blood vessels.
6. Lipomas: Soft, fatty lumps that form just under the skin. They are the most frequent type of non-cancerous tumour.
7. Lymphangiomas: These typically occur in children and affect the lymphatic system. They can cause cysts filled with fluid to form on the skin or in areas such as the mouth, nose, or eyelids.
8. Meningiomas: Such tumours grow in the membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord. Most of the time, they are harmless, but they might cause difficulties if they increase in size.
9. Myomas: They grow in smooth muscle, usually in the uterus or digestive tract.
10. Neuromas: Growths that occur in the nerves and can show up anywhere in the body. Schwannomas and neurofibromas are two common forms.
11. Osteomas: Non-cancerous bone tumours, such as enchondromas and chondroblastomas.
12. Skin Tumours: Many skin growths are not cancerous, including skin tags, cherry angiomas, seborrhoeic keratoses, and dermatofibromas.

What are the Symptoms of Benign Tumours?

The benign tumour symptoms depend on where it is located. Here are a few examples:

1. Bleeding: Uterine fibroids might make you bleed in ways that aren’t normal.
2. Changes in the Skin: Non-cancerous skin tumours can appear as small red spots, lumps, or soft tags.
3. Breathing Problems: Tumours in the airway, such as chondromas, can make it hard to breathe.
4. Dizziness: If the tumour is in the brain lining, like a meningioma, you may get headaches or feel dizzy.
5. Loss of Appetite or Weight: A tumour that presses on the stomach can make you feel full or less hungry.
6. Pain: Pain from benign bone tumours frequently becomes worse over time.

What are the Causes of Benign Tumours?

When cells proliferate and rapidly divide, they might form benign tumours. The body typically eliminates old or damaged cells and replaces them with new ones. When this equilibrium is off, additional cells come together to make a lump or a growth. 

Benign tumours develop in the same way as malignant tumours, but they don’t travel to other parts of the body or invade neighbouring tissues.

Here are some plausible reasons why benign tumours might form:

• Exposure to harmful chemicals, radiation, or pollutants 
• Inflammation or infections
• Food and health-related issues
• Injuries or damage to the body
• Stress for a long duration
• Family history or genes passed down from parents

How do Doctors Find Out if a Tumour is Benign?

Doctors use several tests to determine whether a tumour is malignant or benign. Typically, the first step involves a physical exam and questions about your health history and symptoms. If the healthcare provider suspects you may have a tumour, they may conduct imaging tests for confirmation. Some of them are as follows: 

• X-rays.
• Ultrasounds
• Computed Tomography (CT) scans
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scans
• Mammograms to look at breast tissue

Your doctor might also perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. This means they remove a small piece of the tumour and send it to a lab to determine if it is cancerous or benign. Blood tests may also be done to check for signs of cancer or other health problems.

What do Doctors do to Treat Benign Tumours?

Healthcare providers determine the treatment method for benign tumours based on their type, location, and whether or not they cause any symptoms. In a majority of cases, no therapy is needed.

If the tumour starts to grow or causes pain, pressure, or other symptoms, the doctor may prescribe medicine to help alleviate the pain, swelling, or other issues. Surgery is only suggested to remove the tumour when it’s pushing on essential organs or tissues.

What Makes Benign Tumours More Likely to Occur?

Benign tumours are not cancerous. However, there are several risk factors of cancer, which are also applicable to benign tumours. They include:  

• Age: The risk of aberrant cell growth increases with age.
• Tobacco Use: Smoking is connected to more than just cancer; it can also cause other types of aberrant tissue growth.
• Alcohol Use: Drinking too much alcohol can modify how cells behave, which makes it more likely that benign and malignant growths will form.
• Obesity: Being overweight raises the chance of getting benign tumours such as lipomas and uterine fibroids.
• Family or Personal History of Tumours: If you have close relatives who have had benign or malignant tumours, you may be more likely to get them yourself.
• Chemical Exposure: Exposing oneself to hazardous chemicals for an extended period, including those used in factories or as pesticides, may cause cells to grow in unnatural ways.
• Viral Infections: Some viruses, such as HPV (Human Papillomavirus), are associated with harmless tumours, including warts and cervical polyps.

Is it Possible to Lower the Risk of Benign Tumours?

Yes. You can avoid some risk factors by changing your way of living, like:

• Giving up smoking
• Cutting back on or staying away from alcohol
• Keeping your weight in a healthy range
• Adopting a healthy diet
• Keeping yourself safe from viruses and toxins

FAQs About Benign Tumours

1. What are the common types of benign tumours?

There are several types of benign tumours. Lipomas, which are soft, fatty lumps under the skin; Adenomas, which grow in glandular tissue; and Fibromas, which grow in connective tissue, are some of the most prevalent. Typically, each variety appears in specific areas of the body.

2. Do benign tumours become cancerous?

No, benign tumours are not cancerous. They don’t spread to other sections of the body like cancer does.

3. Is it possible for a benign tumour to become cancerous?

Most benign tumours are harmless. However, some forms can develop into malignant tumours over time. Hence, regular monitoring is crucial.

4. What signs can point to a benign tumour?

Lumps, soreness, or changes in how a body part works are all common indicators of a benign tumour. It’s crucial to have a lump checked out if it grows quickly or causes pain.

5. How often should a person with a benign tumour go to the doctor?

The frequency at which you need to go back for follow-up visits depends on the type of tumour and whether it is changing. Doctors usually advise people to undergo regular checkups for proper monitoring.

6. What problems might benign tumours cause?

Benign tumours aren’t cancerous, but they may still cause difficulties if they press on blood vessels, nerves, or organs nearby. In some cases, surgery might carry its own risks.

7. When should a person consult a doctor for benign tumours?

If a tumour grows quickly, causes pain, or produces neurological symptoms like numbness, weakness, or visual issues, you should visit a doctor right away.

Conclusion

Every medical student needs to have a good understanding of benign tumours. Recognising such conditions early and treating them correctly helps prevent complications and ensures that patients get better care. DocTutorials offers a vast collection of topics covering medicine, anatomy, pharmacology, and more. 

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