Are you worried about benign lung tumors? Let's find out exactly what they are!

If your doctor says on your X-ray or CT scan that you have a "small lump/tumor in your lung," it's normal to feel a sudden sense of fear and shock. When we hear the word "tumor," our minds immediately jump to the dreaded condition of cancer. But before you really get scared, you need to understand this: Not all tumors are cancerous. Today, we're going to talk about non-cancerous, non-dangerous tumors that form in the lungs.

Simply put, what are these non-cancerous lung tumors?

A "tumor" is a collection of cells that form in one place due to an abnormality in the process of cell division in our body. These tumors can form when old cells do not die off as they should normally, or when cells divide rapidly. These can form in the tissues of the lungs or in the airways that carry air to the lungs.

There are two main types of lung tumors:

1. Malignant Tumors: These are what we call Cancer. These can spread to other parts of the body.

2. Benign Tumors: These are not cancerous. They do not spread to other parts of the body. These are the topic we are talking about today.

If a doctor tells you, "The lump in your lung doesn't look like cancer, it's not dangerous" (benign), what does that mean? Let's look at the main differences between a cancerous lump and a noncancerous lump.

Are there types of lung tumors that are not cancerous?

Yes, there are several types of non-cancerous tumors. Usually, tumors smaller than 3 centimeters (about 1.2 inches) are called "nodules." Those larger than that are called "masses." A lump like this that forms in the lungs is called a "pulmonary nodule."

Here are some of the main types:

Hamartomas

This is the most common type of non-cancerous lung tumor. They are made up of normal tissues like cartilage, fat, and muscle. But the tissues are clumped together in a chaotic, abnormal way. On an X-ray, they can look like a round coin. Sometimes they can also look like a popcorn ball. They usually don't harm other tissues.

Bronchial Adenomas

These are another common type. They grow in the main airways (bronchi) that carry air to the lungs and in the mucous glands.

Papillomas

These are a little less common. They look like growths that protrude from the inner wall of the airways. There are three types of these:

• Squamous Papillomas: These can occur in children and adults. They are caused by a virus called ``Human Papillomavirus - HPV''. This virus also causes warts and some sexually transmitted diseases. These types of tumors can sometimes become cancerous .
• Glandular Papillomas: These are even less common. They form in the large ducts of the respiratory tract. The exact cause is still unknown.
• Mixed Papillomas: This is a mixture of the two types mentioned above. These can also rarely turn into cancer.

Why do tumors like this form? What are the symptoms?

The good news is that more than 90% of people with this condition have no symptoms . Most of these are discovered incidentally. Doctors only see them when they do a chest X-ray or CT scan for another reason.

However, in rare cases, someone may develop symptoms. If so, they may include:

• A mild cough that has been present for a long time
• Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
• Any discomfort or pain in the chest
• Wheezing
• Coughing up a little blood (hemoptysis)

What are the reasons for these to occur?

There are several possible causes of non-cancerous lung nodules.

• Infections: Bacterial infections like tuberculosis (TB) or some fungal infections can cause inflammation in the lungs, and small lumps (granulomas) can form in those areas.
• Inflammation: Inflammation caused by diseases of the body's immune system, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can also cause this.
• Congenital conditions: Sometimes small cysts or scars present in the lungs at birth can later appear as nodules like this.
• Other causes: In some cases, no specific cause can be found.

How does a doctor know for sure that this is not cancer?

Your doctor will use several factors to determine whether this lump is cancerous or not.

1. Size and growth rate of the knot:

• The smaller the lump, the more likely it is not cancerous.
• Noncancerous tumors grow very slowly and may not get any bigger for years.
• Cancerous tumors can usually double in size within a few months, so the doctor will do another CT scan a few months later to see if the tumor has grown any larger.

2. Shape and content of the knot:

• Noncancerous tumors usually have a smooth surface and a clear, round shape .
• Cancerous tumors may be irregular in shape and have a rough surface.
• If calcium is present in the tumor on a CT scan, it will appear white. If calcium is present, it is likely a benign, noncancerous tumor that has been present for a long time.

What is a biopsy test?

A biopsy is a procedure in which a very small piece of tissue is taken from a suspicious lump and examined under a microscope to see what kind of cells it contains. There are several ways to do this. One method is called a bronchoscopy. This involves inserting a thin tube (with a camera) down the throat, into the lungs, and taking a small piece of tissue from where the lump is. You will be anesthetized during this procedure, so you will not feel any discomfort.

How is it treated? Do these tumors need to be removed?

In most cases, non-cancerous lung tumors do not require any treatment . The best thing for your doctor to do is to follow a "watch and wait" approach.

This means that you will be asked to have a CT scan at regular intervals (like 6 months or a year) to see if the size or shape of the tumor has changed. If there is no change, there is nothing to worry about.

However, in the following cases, the doctor may recommend a biopsy or surgical removal of the lump:

• If you are a smoker or have a high risk of cancer.
• If you have symptoms such as difficulty breathing .
• If the tumor continues to grow in size on scans over time.
• If tests show that there is any chance it could be cancer.

What questions should you ask your doctor?

It's normal to have many questions when you learn about a condition like this. Don't be afraid or hesitant to ask your doctor these questions.

• "How does the doctor know for sure that I have a tumor in my lung?"
• "Are you sure this isn't cancer, it's not dangerous?"
• "What type of tumor do I have?"
• "Will I need to do any more tests?"
• "Do I need treatment? Or should we just monitor this?"
• "How soon do I have to come back for tests?"
• "Should I see a pulmonologist?"