A benign tumor is a tumor that does not meet the criteria for a malignant or a semimalignant tumor. Unlike malignant tumors, benign tumors do not metastasize.
What is a benign tumor?
Tumor is the term used to describe an increase in tissue. The term neoplasia is used synonymously. Neoplasms are new formations of body tissues that result from a disturbed regulation of cell growth. All tissues in the body can be affected. A distinction can be made between benign (benign) and malignant (malignant) variants. Malignant tumors are colloquially referred to as cancer. Benign tumors are characterized by the fact that they displace the surrounding tissue but do not infiltrate it. In addition, they do not form “metastases.” “Metastases” is another word for metastases. In contrast, malignant tumors grow invasively. They grow into surrounding tissue, thereby destroying it. In addition, they spread via the blood or lymphatic pathways. Semimalignant tumors exist as an intermediate form. They usually do not metastasize, but grow destructively and infiltrate. Benign tumors are well separated from healthy tissue by capsules or pseudocapsules. The tissue of the tumors is homogeneous and well differentiated. The cells show few or no cellular changes. The mitotic activity is low. This means that the benign tumors have a low cell division rate. In the benign tumors, there is further differentiation according to their origin. A benign tumor is always named after the Latin name of its tissue of origin. The suffix “-om” is added to this name. For example, the benign tumor of epithelial glandular tissue is called adenoma. A benign tumor originating from adipose tissue is called a lipoma.
Causes
The causes and development of benign tumors are not yet fully understood. Genetic predisposition seems to play a role. In addition, the development of some benign tumors is promoted by the use of certain medications. For example, the risk of developing a hepatocellular adenoma increases in women due to long-term use of oral contraceptives. Other tumors occur in almost all people above a certain age. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, for example, is a widespread disease. The majority of men over the age of 50 have a benign enlarged prostate. Adenomas of the tonsils also occur frequently. Here, however, mostly children are affected.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
Symptoms depend on the location and size of the tumor. Adenomas of the gastrointestinal tract bulge into the intestinal lumen, so there may be obstructions to the passage of stool. The result is constipation and pain during bowel movements. Blood may also be present in the stool. Adenomas of the tonsils, also known as adenoids, can result in difficulty breathing and increased susceptibility to infection. Adenomas of the thyroid gland can produce thyroid hormones independently of the hormone regulatory system. The result is hyperthyroidism with symptoms such as diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, sweating, or weight loss. Adenomas of the adrenal glands can also produce hormones. If there is an overproduction of the hormone cortisol, Cushing’s disease can develop. Typical symptoms of this hypercortisolism include weight gain, fatigue, bull neck, and parchment skin. Adenomas of the prostate often cause discomfort during urination. Depending on the size of the tumor, bowel movements may also be affected. Adenomas of the ovaries do not cause discomfort until they displace other organs due to their growth. Typical symptoms include bloating, problems with bowel movements and urination, abdominal pain, and low back pain. If the ovarian adenoma produces hormones, bleeding may occur regardless of the menstrual cycle. Hepatocellular adenomas are often accompanied by severe abdominal pain. In addition, necrosis with life-threatening bleeding may occur. Adenomas of the pituitary gland lead to increased hormone secretion. Depending on the type of hormone, different symptoms may develop.
Diagnosis
Various examination methods are available for the diagnosis of benign tumors. With the help of X-ray examination, pathological changes in organs or parts of the body can be made visible. In addition, imaging procedures such as ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging are used.Some adenomas are removed and then examined microscopically to rule out malignant cancer.
Complications
Even a benign tumor can cause a number of complications. First, there is a risk that the growth will compress surrounding tissue, damaging hollow organs. If a blood vessel is compressed, limbs or organs may be deprived of oxygen. In the worst case, this causes the tissue to die. A benign tumor in the gastrointestinal tract can cause blockages or intestinal obstruction. If the gall bladder is affected, urine may not be able to drain properly, resulting in a bile back-up. Such a backlog can lead to jaundice, among other things, but also to infections and urinary retention kidney. In addition, a benign tumor can also cause circulatory problems. This can cause blood clots to form, which can trigger many other local complications. Under certain circumstances, a tumor in the intestinal wall can break through the intestinal wall, which usually results in a life-threatening inflammation of the peritoneum. As a result of a breakthrough, additional fistulas may form on other organs such as the urinary bladder or uterus, which in turn may become inflamed. When a benign tumor is removed, there is a risk of tissue and nerve injury. Physically exhausting treatment methods such as chemotherapy can cause further discomfort.
When should you see a doctor?
Even with a benign tumor, a doctor should always be consulted. This can prevent the tumor from degenerating. As a rule, the doctor should be consulted when there is weight loss and discomfort in the stomach and intestines without any particular reason. Above all, bloody stools may indicate this tumor. Most patients suffer from pain during bowel movements or severe constipation. Furthermore, a visit to the doctor is necessary if the patient suffers from frequent heart palpitations or heavy sweating. Hyperthyroidism is also very often an indication of a benign tumor. In addition to discomfort during bowel movements, pain during urination should always be examined by a physician. Likewise, a feeling of fullness or severe flatulence may indicate this disease. Since the complaints are not always specific, regular and early examinations can have a very positive effect on the course of the disease. First and foremost, a general practitioner can be consulted if a benign tumor is suspected. This usually refers the affected person to an internist or to a urologist.
Treatment and therapy
Therapy depends on the type, location, and size of the tumor. While small tumors in the intestinal area rarely cause discomfort, a small benign tumor in the brain can already cause severe discomfort. Adenomas in the intestine have a tendency to transform into malignant tumors, so the adenomas are usually removed during a colonoscopy. Adenomas of the tonsils are also removed by adenotomy if symptoms are already present in childhood. In the case of adenomas of the thyroid gland, the affected part of the thyroid gland is destroyed by radioiodine therapy or removed in a surgical procedure. Similarly, hormone-producing adenomas of the adrenal glands are surgically removed. Adenomas of the prostate are usually treated with medication. Phytopharmaceuticals and biogenic drugs are used for this purpose. If the symptoms are severe, invasive or surgical treatment is indicated. In the case of adenomas of the ovaries, surgery is also performed. In women after the age of 40, the entire fallopian tube is removed. After menopause, the uterus, ovaries and both fallopian tubes are also removed. Surgical removal is also advised for large adenomas of the liver. Growth hormone-producing tumors of the pituitary gland, on the other hand, can be reduced in size with medication. However, depending on the size of the tumor, surgery may be required.
Outlook and prognosis
The prognosis for a benign tumor depends on the location and size of the tissue change. Life expectancy is not normally shortened. Some patients can enjoy a symptom-free lifestyle until the end of their lives despite the irregularity. Nevertheless, there is a risk that the tumor will press on surrounding organs, joints, glands, vessels or nerves. This impairs their ability to function and causes discomfort.If the tumor continues to grow, the patient’s health gradually deteriorates. In severe cases, there are disturbances or complete failures of individual systems. Daily life is restricted and the patient is dependent on assistance. Without medical care, internal injuries may occur, pain may develop, or a life-threatening condition may develop. Because of the confinement, benign tumors inside the skull often lead to limitations in brain activity. Interruptions in sensory functions occur and information received cannot be adequately processed. Although benign tumors can normally be easily removed, if the tumor is located in an unfavorable position, there is a risk that removal will lead to complications and damage to the surrounding area. In severe cases, benign tumors can mutate as they continue to develop. Once they become malignant, the patient’s prognosis deteriorates significantly.
Prevention
Because the cause of most benign tumors is as yet unclear, prevention is not possible.
Follow-up care
The type and duration of follow-up depends on the location and treatment of the benign tumor. Often, no follow-up care measures are necessary. If the benign tumor was surgically removed, healing of the surgical scars should be monitored. If postoperative complications occur, intensive follow-up care becomes necessary. As a rule, after successful removal of the tumor, several follow-up examinations are performed to determine whether tumors have recurred. In some areas of the body, such as the breast, patients can detect this themselves by regular palpation. Nevertheless, regular examinations by a physician are also advisable in these cases. The exact interval of the controls is determined by the respective specialist. Some forms of benign tumors strongly stimulate tissue growth after their removal, which can also lead to increased formation of new ulcers. There is therefore sometimes an increased risk of malignant tumors developing. As soon as those affected notice changes again, they should therefore consult a specialist, irrespective of the agreed check-up intervals. In some cases, benign tumors can be inoperable and even fatal in the long term due to their location and growth. Affected individuals should be monitored closely in these cases.
What you can do yourself
If a benign tumor is detected, medical treatment is not necessary in every case. The detailed steps that need to be taken and what those affected can do themselves depend on the type, location and size of the tumor. Adenomas of the tonsils, prostate, intestine or brain are usually removed surgically. Patients must be prepared for several weeks of bed rest and may need to change their diet. Ultimately, the doctor will tell the patient what steps they can take on their own. For example, in the case of larger intestinal tumors, preparations for temporary incontinence are sometimes advisable. In the case of benign brain tumors, serious complications can occur due to the complexity of the procedure. It is therefore advisable to obtain therapeutic support at an early stage. Preparation for the hospital stay also includes organizing all the necessary documents, medications and aids. Friends and relatives should also be informed. If the procedure is successful, the patient is usually allowed to leave the hospital after a few days. After that, regular check-ups are indicated. Sometimes a change in lifestyle is also useful to reduce the risk of tumor recurrence.
