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Benign tumours
5-minute read
Key facts
- A tumour is formed when cells in your body grow and divide in an uncontrolled way.
- A benign tumour is a tumour that only grows in one place and does not spread to other parts of your body.
- See your doctor if you notice a new lump anywhere on your body, or any changes to an existing lump.
- Treatment for a benign tumour may include monitoring, surgery or radiation — it will depend on size and location of the tumour.
- Benign tumours can cause complications if they press on vital organs, such as your brain, or become malignant (cancerous) over time.
What is a benign tumour?
A tumour is a growth in your body caused by your cells growing and dividing in an abnormal way. Tumours can be either benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Benign tumours usually only grow in one place and do not spread to other parts of your body. Benign tumours can cause complications if they press on vital organs, such as your brain or spinal cord, or become malignant.
Some examples of benign tumours include:
What causes a benign tumour?
It's not known what causes a benign tumour.
Your body is constantly making new cells to:
- replace worn-out cells
- grow
- heal after an injury
Normally your body makes new cells in an orderly way, but sometimes cells reproduce in an uncontrolled way. This uncontrolled growth may become a lump that is called a tumour.
When should I see my doctor?
See your doctor if you notice:
- a new lump anywhere on your body
- a change in an existing lump
- any changes on your body that you are worried about
You should also see your doctor if you have had surgery on a benign tumour and the lump returns, or you notice any new symptoms.
Your doctor may refer you for a:
- computerised tomography (CT) scan — this uses x-rays to take multiple pictures of the inside of your body
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan — this uses a computer and a powerful magnet to make pictures of inside your body
- positron emission tomography (PET) scan — this involves injecting a small amount of a special liquid to show any abnormal cells in your body
- biopsy — this involves removing a small piece of tissue to check for abnormal cells
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How is a benign tumour treated?
You may not need treatment for a benign tumour if you don't have any symptoms. Your doctor will monitor your tumour for growth using regular scans. You may need a scan as often as every 6 months after a benign tumour is found.
Depending on where your tumour is located, and how large it is, it may need to be treated with:
- surgery — may be recommended if the tumour is pressing on vital organs such as your brain or windpipe
- radiotherapy — this uses radiation to kill tumour cells. You will usually only need radiotherapy if your tumour grows back after surgery, which is rare.
What are the complications of a benign tumour?
Some types of benign tumour can turn into malignant tumours if left untreated. These benign tumours should be monitored closely by your doctor. An example of a benign tumour that may become malignant is a polyp in your colon, which can become bowel cancer over time.
If a benign tumour continues to grow, it can cause complications if it presses on nearby organs, such as your:
- brain
- windpipe
- spinal cord
Can a benign tumour be prevented?
Benign tumours can't usually be prevented because the exact cause is often unknown.
Seeing your doctor early if you notice any changes or lumps in your body can help prevent complications from a benign tumour.
Resources and support
Read more about benign and malignant tumours on the Cancer Australia page.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.