Tumors are cells that grow at excessive speed and do not have any function for the body. Tumors can be malignant (cancerous) or benign. Unlike cancer, benign tumors do not attack the surrounding tissue and do not spread to other body parts.
Normally, cells will grow and divide to form new cells when the body needs it. When old cells in the body get old and die, these cells will be replaced with new ones.
But sometimes, this cell turnover process does not work as it should. There are times when old cells don't die when it's time, and new cells grow even if they aren't needed. These excess cells can divide without stopping until they form a tumor. Tumors on the body are benign but some are malignant.
Benign tumors will not attack the surrounding tissue and do not spread to other body parts. In general, benign tumors are harmless and grow slowly. Unfortunately, this does not always happen.
Benign tumors can grow to a size large enough or found near blood vessels, the brain, nerves, or organs to suppress these vital structures. As a result, benign tumors can become so serious that sometimes they require special treatment.
Based on its location, benign tumors can be classified into several types, namely:
- Lipoma, the most common type of benign tumor found. Lipomas usually grow in body fat cells. They are often found on the back, shoulders, arms, or neck. Lipomas can be identified by their characteristics such as round, smooth surface, and can be moved slightly under the skin. Treatment with steroids or surgery may be done if the lipoma grows too fast or the pain begins to appear.
- Nevi, also known as moles and are very commonly formed on the skin. The colors range from pink and tan, to brown or black. However, be careful if the mole on your skin looks different from usual (changes in shape, size and color, the boundary of the mole is not firm / flat, the mole feels itchy or starts to bleed). Moles with this condition have a higher risk for developing melanoma skin cancer.
- Fibroids or fibromas, grow in fibrous tissue in organs. This type of benign tumor most commonly appears in the uterus to be known as uterine fibroids. Although not dangerous, uterine fibroids can cause severe vaginal bleeding, urinary disorders, and hip pain.
- Adenoma, a tumor that forms in the epithelial tissue lining the gland. The most common type of benign adenoma tumor is polyps in the large intestine, but it does not rule out also growing in the liver, adrenal glands, pituitary gland (under the brain), or thyroid gland. Surgery may be needed in some cases.
- Myoma, a type of tumor that grows in muscles. Myoma can also grow in the smooth muscles of the uterus or the walls of blood vessels. To cure this type of benign tumor, surgery or shrinkage can be done with drugs.
- Hemangioma, a buildup of blood vessel cells in the skin or internal organs. Generally, hemangiomas appear as red or bluish birthmarks.
- Meningioma, a benign tumor that develops in the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Treatment varies depending on the location and symptoms caused.
- Neuroma, a benign tumor that grows in the nerve. This type of tumor can usually be treated with a procedure
- Osteochondromas, benign bone tumors that usually appear with characteristic lumps in the joint area (for example, the knee or shoulder). Surgery may be needed if this benign tumor causes symptoms such as pain or pressure on nerves or blood vessels.
- Papillomas, benign tumors that grow in epithelial tissue on the skin, cervix, breast ducts, or mucous membranes that cover the inside of the eyelids (conjunctiva). These tumors can be caused by direct contact with infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV). In some cases surgery may be performed to rule out cancer.
In many cases, benign tumors do not require treatment. Doctors will likely only monitor to make sure the tumor is not causing problems. However, if symptoms of the problem begin to appear, surgery will likely be needed to remove the benign tumor without damaging the surrounding tissue.
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