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Liver tumors are not a rare occurrence and a new Canadian study says their incidence may be increasing. Although some of these tumors are malignant, most are only benign tumors. Benign liver tumors are often only found incidentally when a patient undergoes ultrasound or similar analysis. Below is information on the different types of tumors that affect the liver, both benign and malignant.
HemangiomasThese are by far the most common type of benign tumor that affects the liver. Between one and five percent of adults have these tumors, which are usually small and asymptomatic. Hemangiomas usually do not need to be removed unless they begin to bleed, which is rare even when they are large.
Hepatocellular AdenomasThis type of benign tumor is known to occur often in adult women, especially those who are taking Birth Control, likely due to the overload of estrogen the liver is forced to process. It is not dangerous and usually only has to be removed when it grows so large that it causes pain and discomfort. This type of tumor rarely turns malignant.
Focal Nodular HyperplasiaThis is a growth composed of multiple types of cells that is often diagnosed with the use of CT or MRI. Doctors sometimes order a biopsy to determine whether a case is malignant, which necessitates surgery to remove it. Surgery is also used when a case of FNH is causing pain for the patient.
Other Benign Liver TumorsFibromas, or fibrous tumors, occur rarely, as do lipomas, which are usually asymptomatic. Another tumor that is not very rare is the benign bile duct adenoma.
Malignant Liver TumorsMalignant tumors are spread by metastasis, the process of cancerous cells breaking away from a tumor and traveling through the bloodstream to invade new sites such as the liver. This is the dangerous type, as opposed to benign tumors, which do not metastasize and are often not harmful except by putting pressure on organs. Malignant tumors in the liver are treated with the standard therapies of radiation and chemotherapy as well as with surgery.
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What may be tumors in the body?
Benign Malignant
Does non malignant tumors still grow?
Yes, non-malignant tumors, also known as benign tumors, can still grow. They may increase in size over time, but they typically do not invade surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body like malignant tumors do. While benign tumors can cause symptoms or complications depending on their location, they generally have a better prognosis than malignant tumors. Regular monitoring or surgical removal is often recommended if they cause discomfort or health issues.
Are all tumours harmful?
No, not all tumors are harmful. Tumors can be broadly classified into two categories: benign tumors and malignant tumors. Benign Tumors: Benign tumors are non-cancerous growths that do not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. These tumors grow slowly and typically have a well-defined border. While they may cause symptoms or health problems depending on their size and location, they are not considered life-threatening. Examples of benign tumors include uterine fibroids, lipomas (fatty tumors), and moles. Malignant Tumors: Malignant tumors, also known as cancerous tumors, are growths of abnormal cells that can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body through a process called metastasis. These tumors grow rapidly and can be life-threatening if left untreated. Malignant tumors can originate from various types of tissue in the body and are classified based on the type of tissue they arise from. Examples of malignant tumors include breast cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma. It's important to note that while benign tumors are not cancerous, they may still require medical attention if they cause symptoms or complications. Additionally, some benign tumors have the potential to become malignant over time, although this is relatively uncommon. Therefore, any new or unusual growth should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine whether further testing or treatment is necessary.
Why is adrenalectomy performed?
usually advised for patients with tumors of the adrenal glands. Adrenal gland tumors may be malignant or benign, but all typically excrete excessive amounts of one or more hormones
Are Rectal polyps benign?
They may be either benign or malignant
Does a benign tumor metastasize?
No. By definition, a benign tumor is incapable of spreading to other locations by metastasis. It may, however, spread to adjacent areas by directly spreading there.No. Only malignant tumors can metastasize.
What are the two types of cancer?
Malignantis cancerous. Malignant tumors can invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.Benign is not cancerous. Benign tumors may grow larger but do not spread to other parts of the body.
What is the relationship between cancerous cells and a tumor?
Cancerous cells are cells that have undergone genetic mutations that cause them to grow and divide uncontrollably. These cells can form a mass of tissue called a tumor. Tumors can be either benign or malignant. Benign tumors: These tumors are non-cancerous and typically do not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. They may grow slowly and often have well-defined borders. Malignant tumors: These tumors are cancerous and can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body through a process called metastasis. Malignant tumors can be further categorized based on their tissue of origin (e.g., carcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma, leukemia). So, cancerous cells are the cells that make up malignant tumors, whereas benign tumors are made up of non-cancerous cells. The distinction between benign and malignant tumors is crucial for determining treatment strategies and assessing prognosis.
What is a soft tumor?
A soft tumor typically refers to a mass of abnormal tissue that is composed of soft, non-hard structures, often arising from soft tissues such as fat, muscle, or connective tissue. These tumors can be benign or malignant and may vary in size and shape. Common examples include lipomas (benign fatty tumors) and sarcomas (malignant tumors of soft tissue). Diagnosis and treatment depend on the tumor's location, type, and behavior.
Can benign tumours change?
There is not a simple yes or no answer to this question. Some benign tumors may develop into malignant ("cancerous") tumors, but malignant cells that develop are benign cells that are taken over by cancer. Often the only way to diagnose a "benign" tumor as having become malignant is based on whether the tumor begins to invade other areas. A good example is the follicular adenoma of the thyroid. This is a benign encapsulated tumor (contained within a "shell" of fibrous tissue), made up of some of the thyroid gland cells. If the tumor breaks through the fibrous capsule, it is considered invasive and is then diagnosed as a follicular adenocarcinoma, which is cancer. Certain types of benign tumors are more prone to developing into malignancies (cancers) than others and therefore require close monitoring.
How big can cervical benign tumor get?
Cervical benign tumors, such as cervical polyps or fibroids, can vary significantly in size. While some may be just a few millimeters in diameter, others can grow to several centimeters. Generally, the size depends on factors like the type of tumor, the individual's health, and hormonal influences. However, most benign tumors remain relatively small compared to malignant tumors.
What type of tumor is not cancerous?
The type of tumor that is not cancerous is called a benign tumor. Benign tumors are non-cancerous growths that do not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. These tumors grow slowly and typically have a well-defined border. While they may cause symptoms or health problems depending on their size and location, they are not considered life-threatening. Benign tumors can develop in various parts of the body, including the brain, skin, breast, uterus, and prostate, among others. Examples of benign tumors include uterine fibroids, lipomas (fatty tumors), moles, and meningiomas (brain tumors). Unlike malignant (cancerous) tumors, benign tumors do not metastasize or spread to other parts of the body. Instead, they typically remain confined to the area where they originated. Treatment for benign tumors may not always be necessary, especially if they are small and not causing any symptoms. However, depending on their size, location, and potential for complications, treatment options may include surgical removal, medication, or other interventions to alleviate symptoms or prevent complications. Overall, while benign tumors may still require medical attention depending on their characteristics and effects on health, they are generally not considered cancerous and do not pose the same risks as malignant tumors.
