Cancer Health
Relax, It Isn’t Cancer: Here’s All You Need to Know About Benign Tumours
If you’ve been diagnosed with a benign tumour, it is understandable to feel a bit anxious. But having a benign tumour does NOT in any way mean that you may have cancer.
Oct 31, 2024
•3 min read
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For most people, tumours are usually associated with the dreaded ‘C’ word. But not all tumours turn out to be cancerous. Benign tumours are different from malignant tumours in a number of ways. It is important to learn about the differences between the two so that you can make informed decisions about your health without any fears.
What are benign tumours?
Benign tumours are characterised by their confinement to their original site and do not invade surrounding areas or spread to other parts of the body. They generally grow at a slow rate and have well-defined edges.
While benign tumours are typically not a significant concern, they can grow large enough to exert pressure on nearby structures, potentially resulting in pain or other health issues.
Quick Explainer
Benign tumours can be triggered by a combination of genetic quirks, hormonal changes, or random growth spurts. These are generally harmless and do not necessitate intervention.
What are the types of benign tumours?
Here are some of the most common types:
1. Adenomas
These harmless tumours pop up in glands (thyroid or pituitary). They can be harmless until they are small or not actively secreting hormones.
2. Fibromas
These small, harmless lumps are often found in the skin and muscles.
3. Lipomas
These are the most common benign tumours and are made of fat cells. Lipomas are usually squishy and soft, like a marshmallow that's taken up residence under your skin.
4. Hemangiomas
These are benign tumours of blood vessels. They are often seen in babies and can look like red or purple marks on the skin. While they might sound alarming, most hemangiomas go away on their own as the child grows.
5. Meningiomas
These tumours grow gradually within the meninges, which are the protective layers encasing the brain and spinal cord. They can cause headaches or vision problems and need close monitoring.
Did You Know?
Certain environmental and lifestyle factors can influence tumour development, such as exposure to specific chemicals or radiation.
What can trigger a benign tumour?
If you’re wondering why these benign tumours decide to crash the party, the reasons can be varied:
- Genetic factors
Sometimes, it’s all about your genetic blueprint. If your family has a history of benign tumours, you might be more likely to get one yourself. It’s a bit like inheriting your uncle’s collection of quirky socks — sometimes, you just get what’s passed down.
- Hormonal changes
Hormones can play a role in the development of certain benign tumours. Think of hormones as the pushy stage managers who sometimes encourage benign tumours to take the spotlight.
- Age
Benign tumours can become more common as you age. It’s like finding surprises in the attic as you get older.
- Environmental factors
Certain environmental and lifestyle factors can influence tumour development, such as exposure to specific chemicals or radiation.
Dealing with a tumour that won’t go away
- Watchful waiting
The best approach is to keep an eye on the tumour. If it’s not causing problems, your doctor might suggest simply monitoring it over time. It’s like letting that overly enthusiastic guest stay until they decide it’s time to leave.
- Surgical removal
If the tumour starts causing problems, surgery is an option. This is like showing the guest to the door — effective but not always necessary if they’re behaving themselves.
- Medication
Medication might help shrink the tumour or manage benign tumour symptoms, particularly if it’s causing discomfort or affecting hormone levels.
Quick Explainer
Some benign tumours can become problematic if they grow large, but they don’t transform into malignant tumours.
Living with benign tumours: Not the end of the world
The good news is that benign tumours are generally not life-threatening. Most people with benign tumours lead normal, healthy lives, often without even knowing they have one. While benign tumours deserve attention, they’re usually more about monitoring than panicking.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How are benign tumours different from malignant ones?
Benign tumours stay localised and don’t spread to other parts of the body, making them generally less dangerous and easier to manage. In contrast, malignant tumours are aggressive, invade surrounding tissues, and can spread to other organs, requiring more intensive treatment.
2. Can benign tumours turn into cancer?
Benign tumours themselves do not turn into cancer; they remain non-cancerous and localised. Some benign tumours can become problematic if they grow large, but they don’t transform into malignant tumours.
3. How are benign tumours diagnosed?
Benign tumours are typically diagnosed through a series of tests, which help visualise their size and location.
4. What are the treatment options for benign tumours?
Treatment options for benign tumours often include monitoring their growth with regular check-ups if they’re not causing other symptoms. Surgical removal may also be recommended by the doctor if needed.
5. Are benign tumours usually removed?
Benign tumours are usually removed if they cause symptoms, interfere with bodily functions, or lead to cosmetic concerns.
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