When we find something like a small lump somewhere on our body, we immediately feel scared, right? The question that comes to many people's minds is, "Is this cancer?" But in reality, not all tumors that form in the body are cancerous. Most of these are non-cancerous, meaning they can be 'non-dangerous' tumors. In medicine, we call these benign tumors. So today, let's talk about this, because having the right knowledge about this will be a great help in eliminating the unnecessary fear in your mind.
Simply put, what is a benign tumor?
Simply put, a tumor is a group of cells in our body that grow abnormally and come together for no reason. There are two types of tumors. One is malignant tumors, and the other is benign tumors.
The main difference between the two is that cancer is a type of cancer that grows out of control, invades nearby tissues, and spreads to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
However, a benign tumor does not spread like that. It stays where it is. That is why most of the time, these do not cause much harm. However, there is something to note. Even if this is a tumor, if it develops in a sensitive area like the brain, a large blood vessel, or a nerve, and it presses on it, some problems can occur. That is when it needs to be treated.
Why do tumors like this form on our bodies?
It's often difficult to pinpoint the exact cause, but doctors believe the following factors may play a role:
- Environmental toxins: For example, exposure to radiation.
- Genetic influences: Sometimes these can be inherited.
- Diet: Our diet may also have some impact.
- Stress: Excessive stress can also cause various changes in the body.
- Local injuries or accidents: An injury to a specific area can cause cells to grow abnormally in that area.
- Inflammation or Infection: Long-term inflammatory conditions or some infections can also cause this.
Do you need treatment? What is the doctor doing?
Most of the time, these benign tumors don't need any treatment. Your doctor may tell you, "Let's keep an eye on this." This is called "watchful waiting." This means watching the tumor for a while to see if it becomes problematic, grows rapidly, or develops symptoms.
However, if the tumor causes pain, discomfort, or other symptoms, it will need to be treated.
- Surgery: The most common treatment is surgery to remove the tumor. The main goal here is to completely remove the tumor without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue.
- Medication: Some types of tumors, especially hormone-sensitive tumors, can be made to shrink with medication.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy is sometimes used for tumors in sensitive areas that cannot be removed surgically.
What are the most common types of nuts that are not dangerous?
There are many types of tumors that originate in different parts of our body. Let's look at some of the most common types. This information will be easier for you to understand with a table.
| Tumor Type | Where is it grown / Description | Important points and treatments |
|---|---|---|
| Adenoma | Tumors that form on the surface of our glands (epithelial tissue). Small tumors (polyps) that form in the intestines, liver, and thyroid gland can form in places like that. | It is usually not dangerous, but very rarely (for example, about 1 in 10 colon polyps) it can become cancerous. If necessary, it is removed surgically. |
| Fibroma (Fibroids) | Tumors made of fibrous or connective tissue. These commonly form in the uterus of women. | When a fibroid forms in the uterus, symptoms such as heavy bleeding, lower abdominal pain, and urinary tract infection may occur. If symptoms are present, it is surgically removed. |
| Hemangioma | A common type of birthmark that forms on the skin or internal organs due to the accumulation of blood vessel cells. | It is often red or blue in color. Most of the time, it goes away over time without treatment. If it interferes with vision or hearing, treatment is needed. |
| Lipoma | Tumors formed from fat cells. The most common type among adults. They are most commonly seen on areas such as the neck, shoulders, back, and arms. | A soft, palpable tumor that grows slowly. It is removed only if it is painful or growing rapidly. |
| Meningioma | Tumors that develop from the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord. | Nine out of 10 cases are not dangerous. Symptoms such as headaches, seizures, and personality changes may occur. They may be monitored and, if necessary, treated with surgery or radiation. |
| Nevi (Moles) | Birthmarks that form on the skin can come in different colors, such as pink, brown, and black. | This is important: If a normal mole suddenly changes in shape, color, or size, or if the edges are irregular, it could be a sign of skin cancer (melanoma). So be sure to see a doctor. |
| Osteochondroma | A common, non-dangerous type of bone tumor. It can appear as a lump around joints such as the knee and shoulder. | Often there is no pain. It is monitored with X-rays. If it is pressing on nerves or blood vessels or if there is pain, it is removed surgically. |
The most important thing is that if you notice a new lump, spot, or any change on your body, don't just assume it's harmless, but definitely see a doctor for advice. There's no need to panic, but it's very important to act responsibly.
Take-Home Message
- Not all tumors that develop in the body are cancerous. Many are benign.
- Benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body like cancer, but they can cause certain symptoms depending on where they are located.
- The exact cause of these tumors is often unknown, but factors such as genetics, environmental factors, and stress may play a role.
- If you notice a new lump, bump, or change in a spot on your body, don't panic or speculate, but definitely see your doctor.
- Whether or not treatment is needed depends on the type of tumor, its location, and the symptoms it causes. Sometimes, observation without any treatment is sufficient.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න