The words "benign" and "malignant" are important words to understand, especially when discussing potentially cancerous tumors. As the names imply, a malignant tumor is particularly worrisome, requiring immediate attention, whereas a benign tumor is relatively less dangerous. However, simply because a tumor has been determined benign does not mean that it can be ignored. Read on to learn the essentials about benign tumors.
Significance
From a medical standpoint, the word "benign" refers to a mass of cells that is limited in growth and is not worsening to a malignant state. Generally, this term is used to describe a defined, encapsulated, non-cancerous tumor. Benign tumors are abnormally growing yet ultimately harmless clumps of cells. Unlike malignant tumors, a benign mass does not spread aggressively to other parts of the body nor does it permeate bodily tissues.
Types
Although abnormal cell masses classified as benign appear in an array of diverse forms under a microscope or scan, their uniting factor is that all benign tumors are non-cancerous. Like their malignant counterparts, benign tumors may be found throughout the body, from the uterus or prostate to the skin. In fact, moles are one of the most common examples of benign tumors. Yet unlike serious or deadly tumors, benign tumors grow relatively slowly.
Identification
A biopsy is required to determine whether a growth is benign or not. Benign tumors are incredibly varied in shape and size, and oftentimes do not cause symptoms. Formed by a cell growth of an organ or tissue, benign tumors remain self-contained. These limited cell growths generally maintain defined perimeters, whereas malignant tumors are not localized to one spot and have an unbound perimeter.
Prevention/Solution
Doctors urge their patients to be aware of any abnormal moles that could be either cancerous or benign. Patients are also encouraged to get regular screenings of the breast, prostate, ovaries, colon and other organs in order to prevent cancer.
Removal of a benign tumor via surgery is standard medical procedure as long as the growth is in a reachable location in the body. If a tumor cannot be removed surgically, radiation is an alternative method to wipe out the mass of cells. Cryosurgery provides another removal method, effectively freezing the cells off by inserting narrow instruments into the tumor.
Warning
People who notice abnormal symptoms that may be tumors, as in the case of potentially cancerous moles, are encouraged to see a physician. A dermatologist can examine any potential skin tumors to determine whether they are benign.
Patients are advised to be aware of any moles that are asymmetrical, uneven in color, have undefined borders, or are growing in diameter. Doctors also advise that people wear sunscreen with SPF 15 at least 30 minutes before sun exposure.
In certain cases, some benign tumors can actually become malignant due to genetic changes in the tumor's cell composition. One example of this is a type of colon tumor, or polyp, that marks the potential for cancer if not removed. This is why doctors stress the importance of early detection in preventing colon cancer.
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