Contributed by – Healthians Team
Tumor does not always pose a threat. Mostly used as a synonym for cancer, tumor always gives a scare. A matter of grave alarm and panic, tumor of all sizes needs immediate attention. But, the important fact that most of us are unaware about is that most of the tumors are not cancerous.
The important thing is understand the difference between cancerous and non cancerous tumors. Onset of tumor not always means cancer, to understand this fact a proper knowledge about tumor and types of tumors is needed. Let us discuss about tumors and what really are non cancerous tumor and their effects on health.
What Is A Tumor?
Tumor is also known as neoplasm which is an abnormal growth or mass of tissue that can be either solid or fluid filled. A abnormal cellular growth leads to lump formation and opposed to the common belief does not always pose health threat. The size of various tumors varies enormously. To understand the concept of tumor it is important to distinguish tumors on the basis of types.
Types Of Tumor
Tumors are divided into three heads:
- Benign: tumors that are not cancerous and do not spread. These generally remain in their original form and form and do not re-occur after removal
- Malignant: These are the cancerous ones and grow, spread and get worse with time
- Pre-malignant: It is a non-cancerous tumor but has developing properties of cancer
Benign tumors are non cancerous and are not a threat. But, what causes these non cancerous tumors? What affects do they have on health? The only way to get answers to these queries is to explore all the facts related with benign tumors.
Benign Tumor
A non-malignant tumor that does not invade the nearby tissues or spread to the other parts of the body. Most of the times the prognosis of these tumors is good. But benign tumor too can be serious if they put pressure on the vital structures like blood vessels or nerves. Tumors are generally surrounded by a protective sac. The protective sac is way through which our immune system ensures easy removal of the tumor from the body.
Causes
The cause of benign tumor is unknown but the growth of the tumor is commonly identified with:
- Environmental toxins like exposure to radiation
- Diet
- Genetics
- Stress
- Local trauma or injury
- Infection or inflammation
Types Of Benign tumor
There are different types of benign tumors distinguished on various factors. Some of the common types of benign tumors are:
- Adenomas: The tumor originates from the epithelial tissue which is a thin layer of tissue that covers the organs and glands. The most common type of adenoma are; polyps of the colon; liver or adrenal tumor, pituitary or thyroid gland tumor.
- Fibromas (or fibroids): These are the tumors of the fibrous or connective tissue, that can grow in any organ in the body. Fibroids mostly grows in the uterus and are primarily non-cancerous. These fibroids mostly lead to heavy vaginal bleeding, bladder problems or pelvic pain or pressure.
- Lipomas: These tumors grow from the fat cells and are the most common type of benign tumors in adults. They are commonly found in the neck, shoulders, back or arms. They grow slowly and are round in shape, movable and soft in touch.
- Hemangiomas: Buildup in the blood vessels of skin or other internal organs. These are generally birthmarks and are mostly red or bluish and go away on their own. The one which interferes with vision, hearing or eating may require treatment.
- Meningiomas: These tumors develop from the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord and grow slowly. The treatment plan of these meningiomas depends on its location and the symptoms that include frequent headaches and weakness of one side, seizures, personality changes and visual problems.
- Myomas: Tumors of the muscle that are found in the uterus or stomach.
A benign tumor can develop at age but are more common in adults. No matter what the case tumors always need prompt attention and immediate diagnosis. Proper awareness can save you from a lot of distress and confusions.
