What Does
Benign Tumor Mean?
A benign tumor is a mass of cells characterized by abnormal growth but without the ability to metastasize and spread to neighboring tissue. Since cancerous tumors typically do spread to other tissue, that means benign tumors are non-cancerous, though they can become malignant under certain circumstances.
Safeopedia Explains Benign Tumor
Benign tumors are observed to have a slower growth rate than malignant tumors, and they consist of more differentiated cells (cells with normal features). Benign tumors are usually surrounded by an outer surface that is known as a fibrous sheath of connective tissue. They remain with the epithelium and do not spread to other parts of the body. Some of the most common examples of benign tumors are moles and uterine fibroids, with most people having at least one of the two.
Benign tumors are formed as a result of the abnormal growth of cells at an excessive rate. They do not require special treatment and are classified by where they grow. There are different types of benign tumors, which include adenomas, lipomas, myomas, nevi, and fibroids or fibromas. Unlike malignant tumors, benign tumors do not expand into other parts of the body.
Benign tumors are very common and can develop as a result of many factors—genetic, environmental, or occupational (prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, radiation or other factors). Most benign tumors are not life-threatening, but they are known to carry the potential of becoming cancerous (malignant) through a process known as tumor progression. As benign tumors may be associated with other negative health effects, they may sometimes require surgical removal.