Benign tumors are non-cancerous growths that do not spread or invade nearby tissue. They can occur anywhere in the body and are caused by a variety of diseases and factors. While benign tumors themselves are not cancerous, some types do have the potential to become malignant over time if left untreated. Understanding what diseases and conditions can lead to benign tumors is important for getting proper screening and early treatment when needed.
Common Benign Tumors
Some of the most common types of benign tumors include:
- Uterine fibroids – Noncancerous growths that develop in the womb from smooth muscle cells and fibrous tissue. Estimated to affect 20-80% of women by age 50.
- Lipomas – Soft, fatty lumps that form under the skin, usually on the shoulders, neck, arms and trunk. Very common, affecting 1 in 1000 people.
- Colon polyps – Small clumps of cells that form on the lining of the colon. Up to 30% of adults develop colon polyps.
- Renal angiomyolipomas – Benign kidney tumors containing fat cells. Often seen in people with tuberous sclerosis.
- Sebaceous cysts – Slow growing bumps containing fatty material that develop under the skin, often on the face, neck and trunk.
- Meningiomas – Tumors that emerge from the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Represent over 30% of all primary brain tumors.
Diseases that Cause Benign Tumors
There are a number of different diseases and genetic disorders that can lead to an increased risk of developing benign tumors. Some key examples include:
- Adenomatous polyposis – An inherited condition where numerous adenomatous polyps form in the colon and rectum. If left untreated, these polyps can become malignant.
- Cowden syndrome – A rare hereditary disorder that leads to benign growths called hamartomas forming in various tissues of the body, including the skin, thyroid, breast and uterus.
- Gardner syndrome – Similar to adenomatous polyposis, this genetic disease also causes intestinal polyps and carries high risk of colorectal cancer.
- Neurofibromatosis – Genetic disorders causing tumors called neurofibromas to grow on nerves throughout the body.
- Tuberous sclerosis – An autosomal dominant genetic disease that causes benign tumors to grow in multiple organs including the brain, skin, kidneys, heart and lungs.
- Li-Fraumeni syndrome – A rare hereditary disorder that significantly increases the risk of developing several types of cancer, including breast cancer, brain tumors, leukemia and adrenal gland tumors.
Other Factors that Contribute to Benign Tumors
In addition to specific genetic diseases, there are some other factors that may increase overall risk for developing benign growths and tumors:
- Hormones – Changes in hormones can trigger growth of benign tumors in hormone-sensitive tissues like the uterus, ovaries, breasts and prostate.
- Chronic inflammation – Long-standing inflammation appears to contribute to conditions like uterine fibroids and some types of intestinal polyps.
- Obesity – Being significantly overweight increases risk for tumors like uterine fibroids and lipomas.
- Radiation exposure – Prior radiotherapy may induce formation of benign tumors in some cases.
- Injuries – Trauma to a particular area can very uncommonly trigger growth of benign masses.
- Unknown causes – Some tumors have no clearly identified cause and appear sporadically in the population.
When to See a Doctor
Many benign tumors do not cause any symptoms or health problems. But some can grow quite large and press on surrounding tissues, nerves and organs, leading to various complications. Any lumps or abnormal growths, especially those that are increasing in size, should be evaluated by a doctor. Rapidly enlarging tumors in particular require urgent medical assessment. Diagnostic tests like imaging scans and biopsies are needed to confirm whether a tumor is benign or malignant. Early detection and treatment provides the best outcomes.
Diagnosing Benign Tumors
Doctors use a range of techniques and tests to evaluate unusual growths and masses and determine if they are benign or malignant. This may include:
- Medical history and physical examination
- Imaging tests – Ultrasound, CT, MRI and PET scans
- Biopsy – Removal of a small sample for examination under a microscope
- Blood tests – To look for tumor markers and assess organ function
- Endoscopy – Using a tiny camera on a flexible tube to visualize internal growths
- Genetic testing – For hereditary tumor disorders like neurofibromatosis
Treating Benign Tumors
Treatment for benign tumors focuses on removing harmful or enlarging growths while preserving as much normal tissue as possible. Options may include:
- Surgery – Total or partial surgical removal of the tumor.
- Minimally invasive ablation – Destroying small tumors using heat, cold or laser energy delivered through a needle-like probe. Used for inoperable or hard to reach tumors.
- Embolization – Blocking the blood supply to shrink certain tumors like uterine fibroids.
- Medications – Hormonal medications or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories to help shrink some benign growths.
- Watchful waiting – Monitoring asymptomatic, stable tumors until treatment is required.
Outlook for Benign Tumors
The majority of benign tumors are cured with complete surgical removal and do not return once treated. A minority may regrow over time, especially certain hereditary tumor syndromes. Some benign growths also have a small potential to become malignant. So ongoing follow-up and screening may be recommended after treatment of certain types. Overall the prognosis for most benign tumors is excellent with appropriate management.
Conclusion
Benign tumors arise due to an abnormal overgrowth of cells, often from specific genetic mutations or as part of hereditary tumor disorders. Other factors like hormones, inflammation, obesity and radiation exposure can further promote their development. While benign tumors are not cancerous initially, they can sometimes cause health problems or transform into malignancy over time. That’s why evaluation of any new, rapidly growing or symptomatic mass is important. Catching treatment early provides the best outcome. With a combination of expert diagnosis, tailored management and follow-up screening, most people with benign tumors can be cured and resume their normal activities.