A benign tumor, also known as a benign neoplasm or benign growth, is a noncancerous collection of cells. Unlike cancerous tumors, benign tumors are slow-growing and don’t spread to other areas of your body. They may not cause symptoms, but a large benign tumor may press on nearby tissue and organs. Treatment uses surgery to remove the tumor.
Benign tumors are noncancerous. They’re a collection of abnormal cells that, unlike normal cells, multiply more than they should and don’t die. The abnormal cells form tumors as they multiply. Your healthcare provider may use the terms “benign neoplasm” or “benign growth” when talking about your condition.
A benign tumor may not cause symptoms that you would notice. They rarely cause serious medical issues. But your provider may recommend surgery to remove a large benign tumor that’s pressing on nearby tissue or organs.
A benign tumor isn’t a malignant (cancerous) tumor. It grows more slowly than a cancerous tumor, has even borders and, unlike cancerous tumors, it won’t spread to other parts of your body.
But there are specific types of benign tumors that can turn into cancer. For example, some types of colon polyps (masses of abnormal cells in your colon) may become cancerous. That’s why a healthcare provider would remove any colon polyps they find during a colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer.
You can have a benign tumor almost anywhere in your body. Tumor names reflect the part of your body where a tumor develops. Some common types of benign tumors are:
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Benign tumor symptoms vary depending on where the tumor develops. Here are some examples:
Researchers don’t know exactly why certain cells begin to multiply and become benign tumors. Some tumors get started during fetal development. For example, your baby may have a lymphangioma if something affects their lymphatic system before they’re born. You may have lipomas because you have a family history of this kind of benign tumor.
Advertisement
A healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms. They’ll do a physical examination to check for unusual lumps or bumps on your skin or under your skin. They may order the following tests:
Treatment varies depending on factors like tumor type and your symptoms. For example, you may not need treatment if you have a benign tumor that’s not growing or causing any issues. In that case, a healthcare provider may recommend watchful waiting. In watchful waiting, your provider will schedule regular follow-ups so they can watch for changes in your body.
If there are changes, your provider may:
Advertisement
Most benign tumors grow slowly. You may not need treatment. But you may need to see your provider regularly so they can check on your overall health and look for any change in the tumor. Your provider will schedule regular checkups. They’ll also explain if there are specific changes that mean you should contact them.
Often, benign tumors don’t cause issues. If tests show you have one, let your healthcare provider know anytime you notice changes in your body that may be signs the tumor is growing. For example, if you know a lump on your arm is a benign tumor, let your provider know if the lump is getting bigger or starts to hurt.
A cyst is a fluid-filled bump. A benign tumor is a solid mass or collection of cells.
Maybe you wondered about a bump on your leg. It wasn’t growing, but it wasn’t going away. Or maybe you contacted a healthcare provider about the patch of purple bumps on your arm. But now, you know your symptoms were signs of a benign tumor. It’s not cancer, but it may be a little unnerving to realize there’s a clump of abnormal cells gathered somewhere in your body. You’ll probably want to know what to expect — from how fast the tumor could grow and whether you’ll have new symptoms or if you’ll need surgery. Don’t hesitate to ask your provider. They’ll understand your concerns and be glad to answer your questions.
Last reviewed on 08/15/2024.
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy