Benign tumours are abnormal growths in any part of the body, but not cancerous.
The causes vary from injuries, family history, recent infections and diet.
There are numerous types of benign tumours and most of them are harmless. Unlike cancers, benign tumours grow very slowly, does not invade into the affected tissue or does not spread to other parts of the body and has clear borders and shapes.
The symptoms vary depending on the location, size and function of the affected part of the body. They may cause discomfort, pain, tiredness and cosmetic concerns.
The most commonly knows types are:
- Lipoma (abnormal growth of fat tissue)
- Myoma (abnormal growth of muscle tissue)
- Fibroid (abnormal growth of connective – fibrous- tissue)
- Moles (abnormal skin changes)
- Osteoma (abnormal growth of bone tissue)
- Neuroma (abnormal growth of nerves)
- Haemangioma (abnormal growth of blood vessels)
- Adenoma (abnormal growth of tissue covering organs and glands)
- Meningioma (abnormal growth of tissue covering brain and spinal cord)
- Benign breast tumours
- Benign brain tumours
Diagnosis involves physical examination and sometimes further investigations including biopsy and scans like MRI, ultrasound, CT and Xray are needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment involves watchful waiting, sometimes medication and/or surgery depending on the type and symptoms of the tumour.
To discuss examination and treatment options, please book an appointment with our specialist.
To learn more about benign tumours, please click on:
Dr Ibrahim Yahli MD MRCPsych
