Benign tumors can grow in any part of the body? even . Based on the location of growth, benign tumors can be divided into several types. Each type of benign tumor has different characteristics and different ways of handling.
Every tissue and organ of the human body is composed of cells that can divide and grow according to their needs. When normal cells in the body get old and die, they are replaced with new ones.
However, sometimes these old cells actually grow and grow uncontrollably, causing abnormal tissue or lumps called tumors.
Tumors can be malignant (cancerous) or benign. Unlike cancer, benign tumors generally do not invade tissues and do not spread to other parts of the body. In general, benign tumors are harmless and tend to grow slowly.
However, there are also benign tumor cells that can grow quickly. These benign tumors grow to a large enough size and interfere with surrounding tissues, such as blood vessels, nerves, or certain organs, such as the brain and lungs.
If this is the case, benign tumors need to be treated, either with drugs such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery.
Type-Types of Benign Tumors
Based on their location, benign tumors can be classified into several types, namely:
1. Lipoma
Lipoma is a benign tumor that appears in the fat tissue of the body. These benign tumors can grow in any part of the body, such as the back, shoulders, arms, or neck. Lipomas generally appear as lumps under the skin that appear round, soft, and can be moved.
This type of benign tumor often does not need to be treated if it is small or does not cause any symptoms. However, if they are enlarged or painful, lipomas usually need to be treated surgically.
2. Nevi
Nevi are benign tumors that appear on the skin. These benign tumors are more commonly known as moles. On the skin, these benign tumors can appear as brown, black, or pink patches. Nevi are generally harmless and do not need to be removed.
However, you need to be careful if a new mole appears that quickly enlarges in size, expands, is unevenly shaped, or causes complaints, such as sores, itching, or bleeding frequently. Such moles could be a sign of melanoma skin cancer.
3. Fibroids
Fibroids or fibromas grow in fibrous tissue or connective tissue in certain organs or body parts. Benign tumors of this type most commonly appear in the uterus (uterine fibroids).
Although harmless, uterine fibroids can grow quite large and cause complaints in the form of heavy vaginal bleeding, frequent urination, pelvic pain, and fertility problems.
4. Adenomas
Adenomas are tumors that form in epithelial tissue and line glands in the body. The most common type of benign adenoma tumor is a polyp in the colon. In addition to the large intestine, adenomas can also grow in the liver, adrenal glands, pituitary gland in the brain, or thyroid gland. These benign tumors usually need to be treated with surgery.
5. Mioma
Myoma is a type of tumor that grows in the muscles. Myomas can also grow in the smooth muscle of the uterus or the walls of blood vessels. To treat this type of benign tumor, doctors can perform surgery or treatment with chemotherapy.
6. Hemangiomas
Hemangiomas are accumulations of blood vessel cells in the skin or internal organs. Hemangiomas usually appear as birthmarks in babies. These benign tumors will usually appear as red or purplish patches on the skin and may go away on their own.
However, hemangiomas sometimes need to be treated with drugs or surgery if they have caused damage to the tissues or organs of the body around where the benign tumor grows.
7. Meningiomas
Meningiomas are benign tumors that grow on the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Meningioma treatment varies, depending on the location and symptoms. However, this condition is generally treated with surgery and chemotherapy.
8. Neuroma
This type of benign tumor can grow in the nerves of any part of the body. One of the most common types of neuroma is acoustic neuroma. Neuromas are usually treated with surgical procedures.
9. Osteochondroma
Osteochondroma is a benign bone tumor that usually appears with the characteristics of a lump in the joint area, such as the knee or shoulder. This type of tumor is more common in children. Surgery may be needed if this benign tumor causes painful symptoms by pressing on nerves or blood vessels.
10. Papilloma
Papillomas are benign tumors that grow in the epithelial tissue of the skin, cervix, breast ducts, or the mucous membranes that cover the inside of the eyelids (conjunctiva). These tumors are often caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Most cases of benign tumors do not need special treatment. However, the doctor will still advise the patient to undergo regular health checks to ensure that the tumor does not grow worse or become cancerous.
However, if a benign tumor grows rapidly or causes other symptoms, doctors sometimes need to perform a biopsy to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant. After that, the doctor will carry out treatment according to the results of the biopsy.
If you find a lump or growth of body tissue that is suspected as a tumor, both benign and malignant, you should immediately consult a doctor.