Benign tumour

Benign Tumour

A benign tumour is a type of tumour that is not cancerous. Unlike malignant tumours, benign tumours do not spread to other parts of the body (metastasize) and are not a threat to life. They grow slowly and are typically encapsulated, which means they are confined to a specific location.

Characteristics

Benign tumours have several distinct characteristics that differentiate them from malignant tumours. They are slow-growing and remain localized, not invading adjacent tissues or spreading to other parts of the body. They often have well-defined borders, making them easier to surgically remove than malignant tumours.

Types of Benign Tumours

There are many types of benign tumours, each named for the cells or tissues from which they originate. Some common types include:

• Adenoma: A tumour that originates in glandular tissue.
• Lipoma: A fatty tumour that can occur in fat cells in any part of the body.
• Fibroma: A tumour composed of fibrous or connective tissue.
• Hemangioma: A benign tumour of blood vessel cells.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Benign tumours are often discovered during routine medical examinations or are found incidentally during tests for other conditions. Diagnostic tests such as biopsy, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment for a benign tumour depends on its location, size, and whether it's causing symptoms. Options may include watchful waiting, surgical removal, or other procedures to shrink the tumour or relieve symptoms.

See Also

• Malignant tumour
• Cancer
• Metastasis
• Oncology