A tumor can develop when cells grow too quickly or dont die when they are supposed to.
This collection of abnormal cells is called a tumor.
Not all tumors are cancerous, some are noncancerous, or benign.
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Then the biopsy is analyzed under a microscope by a pathologist (a doctor specializing in laboratory science).
Each system of the body has the potential of having a benign tumor develop.
Some of these tumors have the potential of developing into cancer, for example, colonic adenomas.
Myoma
Myomasare also called fibroids.
They are often found in the uterus and develop from the smooth tissue lining of the uterus.
Papillomas
Papillomasgrow from tissue that makes up the skin, body cavities, and lining of organs.
They usually grow outward and form a lesion.
Some benign tumors may have no symptoms at all.
Some symptoms may include:
Causes
Every cell grows and reproduces through a very specific cycle.
Cells are also programmed to only live for a specific length of time.
These cells then form the tumor.
DNA damage can occur through:
Treatment
Often, benign tumors dont require any treatment.
This is typically done by surgery.
Prognosis
Having a benign tumor generally has a great prognosis.
As these tumors are not cancer, they are generally not life-threatening.
However, they may cause symptoms that require treatment.
You should also address any concerns you have about the tumor becoming cancerous with your healthcare team as well.
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Cleveland Clinic.Benign lung tumors.
2017;90(1071):20160607. doi:10.1259/bjr.20160607
MedlinePlus.Uterine fibroids.
American Cancer Society.Intraductal papillomas of the breast.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Pheochromocytoma: an adrenal gland tumor.
Urology Care Foundation.Renal mass and localized renal tumors.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Liver tumors.
UW Medicine.Soft tissue masses.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Other benign skin growths.
Patel A.Benign vs malignant tumors.JAMA Oncol.
2020;6(9):1488. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2020.2592
