A benign tumor is a pathological neoplasm with a slow rate of development. Timely therapy at the same time gives a positive prognosis: in most situations, patients completely get rid of the disease, and there are almost no relapses. He alth hazards are tumors that secretly develop in the body. Against the background of the absence of symptoms, it is difficult to diagnose the disease, which threatens to degenerate into a malignant formation. About what are the causes of the appearance of benign tumors, what are the stages of their development and how the treatment is carried out, we will tell further.
Causes of occurrence
In the human body, every cell follows the same path: it grows, then develops, and then dies after forty-two hours. Replaced by a new one, which lives a similar period. In the event that, as a result of some reason, the cell does not die, but continues to grow, then a tumor will occur. Benign and malignant tumors are very different.
Science has proven that benign formations are the result of a mutation in human DNA, which is caused by the following factors:
- Human activities in hazardous production, along with regular inhalation of dangerous poisons or vapors.
- Bad habits in the form of smoking, drug use and substance abuse.
- Drinking alcohol.
- Influence of ionizing radiation.
- The body getting frequent exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
- The appearance of hormonal failure.
- Occurrence of disturbances in the immune system.
- Penetration of various viruses into the body.
- Injury and fractures.
- Unhe althy eating, eating unhe althy foods.
- Lack of a balanced daily routine, for example, frequent lack of sleep, working at night and the like.
Predisposition
According to studies, it has been established that absolutely everyone has a predisposition to the appearance of benign tumors. And to prevent the development of those is possible only by leading an active and he althy lifestyle. Frequent nervous stresses have an adverse effect on cells. Next, we will find out what stages a benign formation goes through in the process of its development.
Stages of tumor growth
In total, there are three stages in the development of benign tumors:
- Initiation stage. At this stage, detecting the mutated gene is almost impossible. Initiation is associated with a change in the cell's DNA underthe influence of unfavorable factors.
- Promotion stage. At this stage, the mutated cell begins its active reproduction. The promotion stage can last for several years, almost without showing itself.
- Progression stage. In the third stage of tumor growth, there is a rapid increase in the number of mutational cells that form a tumor. A benign formation at this stage turns out to be the cause of a deterioration in well-being, disturbances in the functionality of the body occur, spots appear on the skin. This greatly simplifies the diagnostic process. It is not difficult to detect a tumor at this stage.
Time Period
The period during which a benign tumor develops can last from a couple of months to tens of years. Often this disease is diagnosed only after death during an autopsy. In this case, the tumor is not always the main cause of human death. Can a benign tumor develop into cancer? Let's figure it out.
Rebirth
The stage of progression is dangerous primarily because the impact of adverse factors, along with the lack of treatment, leads to an early degeneration of the tumor. The process of gene mutation continues, dangerous cells multiply even more actively. They begin to spread throughout the body and settle in the organs. This process is called metastasis. At this stage, doctors diagnose an already malignant neoplasm, which is considered a threat to life.
Benign tumors are divided into certain types. Next, we will find out what types of such neoplasms are divided into in medicine.
Views
A benign tumor can grow in absolutely any tissue of the human body. There are several types of such neoplasms:
- Fibroma is a tumor that consists of fibrous connective tissues. Fibroids occur most often on the genitals in women. At the same time, patients have menstrual irregularities, infertility and severe pain during sexual intercourse.
- Lipoma is another name for a fatty tumor. Lipomas often form in women during menopause and can become very large.
- Chondroma consists mainly of cartilaginous tissue. The cause of its development is injury or tissue damage. Chondroma manifests itself not only in a single instance, but also in the plural. Usually affects limbs.
- Neurofibromatosis doctors otherwise call Recklinghausen's disease. Pathology is characterized by the formation of fibroids, and, in addition, age spots. In this case, inflammation of the nerves may join.
- Osteoma is a benign formation, which consists of bone tissue. It has clear boundaries and rarely degenerates into a malignant tumor. This species is a congenital pathology.
- Myoma is a single or multiple formation with a dense base. This disease develops in the musclestissues and affects mainly the reproductive system in women. The cause is hormonal disorders along with abortion and obesity. Symptoms of a benign tumor in the initial stages may be completely absent.
- Angioma is understood as a tumor that develops from blood vessels. This disease is congenital, located mainly on the cheeks, or oral mucosa.
- Lymphangioma consists of lymphatic vessels. It is formed during embryonic development, continuing to grow in early childhood. Often, lymphangioma stops in its development and does not pose a threat to life.
- Neurinoma, as a rule, develops on the peripheral nerves, and, in addition, in the spinal cord. Rarely meet neurinoma on cranial nerves. This tumor looks like small nodes of various sizes.
- Neuroma can form on different elements of the nervous system. The cause of this disease is often amputation along with nerve damage. Congenital neuromas may also occur.
What is a benign brain tumor? More on that later.
What other types of tumors are isolated in medicine?
Among other things, there are the following types of benign neoplasms:
- Ganglioneuroma usually develops in the abdominal cavity. This is most often a dense formation with large sizes. Such a disease begins to form even in the womb. The causes of its occurrence are disorders of the development of the nervoussystem along with the impact of adverse factors during gestation.
- Paraganglioma consists of chromaffin cells. This disease can develop in any organs. The tumor is congenital and begins to manifest itself at an early age. Such a disease can be dangerous due to the possibility of metastasis.
- Papillomas are neoplasms in the form of small nipples, in the center of which there is a blood vessel. This type is the most common type of benign tumor and is easy to remove. As a rule, after surgical intervention, relapses do not occur. Papilloma appears as a result of the influence of the virus on the body. Very often this disease attacks the genitals. In addition, papillomas include warts, which in most cases are safe and do not require any treatment. Exceptions are usually those formations that begin to bleed or bring pain. Also, a danger to humans is usually enlarging and changing color formations.
- Adenoma has one characteristic feature: it can repeat the shape of the organ on which it is formed. Such a tumor usually consists of glands and rarely degenerates into a malignant type. Often such a tumor affects the prostate in men over forty-five years old. This disease can be manifested by painful urination, decreased sexual activity, infertility and early ejaculation. An adenoma, as such, is not life-threatening, but can significantly impair its quality and lead tomental disorders.
- What is a benign brain tumor? A cyst is a formation that does not have clear boundaries. It consists of a cavity filled with liquid. The cyst can develop rapidly, which can pose a threat. In cases of rupture of this tumor, there is a risk of blood poisoning. Cysts usually appear on the genitals, in bone tissue or in the brain area.
There are benign brain tumors that are congenital in nature. These include:
- craniopharyngiomachordoma;
- germina;
- teratoma;
- dermoid cyst;
- angioma.
Meningioma is a benign neoplasm that is characterized by a secondary manifestation even after removal. Symptoms, treatment, as well as the consequences of the occurrence of this type of tumor depend on the size, size of the tumor, growth rate and location. Too large benign brain tumors impair its intellectual functions.
Benign lung tumors are formed from highly differentiated cells that are similar to he althy ones in structure and function. They have a relatively slow growth, they do not infiltrate and do not destroy tissues, do not form metastases. Atrophy of the tissue around the tumor occurs, resulting in the formation of a connective tissue capsule (pseudocapsule) surrounding the neoplasm. Tumors of the lung are prone to malignancy.
Benign breast tumorsglands
Formed due to pathological growth of tissues. Benign seals do not fuse with the skin, unlike malignant ones.
Most often, benign breast tumors occur in women who have had many abortions, have not given birth to children and have not breast-fed at the right time. Age is also a factor that determines the appearance of a tumor in one form or another.
So, lipomas and mastopathy are diagnosed in women aged 35-50 years, after 35 years - cysts, in 20-35 years - fibroadenomas. Intraductal papilloma does not depend on age.
In most cases, removal of benign neoplasms is not required. It is necessary to regularly undergo examinations and examinations, during which you can make sure that there is no activity of a benign tumor of the gland.
Treatment
Tumors that have been diagnosed at an early stage of development are very easy to treat. As part of the detection of the disease, several different methods are used. Such formations can be seen using ultrasound or palpation. In order to make a correct diagnosis, blood and pieces of tissue are examined, which are taken during a biopsy or during laparoscopy.
What does therapy depend on?
Treatment of a benign tumor directly depends on its type and the condition of the patient. But it is important to note that in no case should this disease be ignored by doctors. Even small neoplasms can lead to sad consequences orlong and expensive treatment.
Modern medicine offers several effective methods of treating such tumors, among which removal is in the first place. The operation helps prevent the further development of the disease and eliminates the accumulation of mutated cells. After the removal procedure, relapses, as a rule, do not occur, and an absolute recovery occurs. In extremely rare situations, a second operation is required in case of proliferation of mutated cells.
Benign and malignant tumors have one important difference - the first is not life-threatening.
Tumor removal
Removal of benign neoplasms is carried out using various surgical instruments or by means of a special laser. Before the operation, the place of tumor removal is treated with disinfectants, and the patient is put under general anesthesia. Most often, removal occurs through an incision in the tissue and husking of the neoplasm. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the suture and prevent infection.
Cryocoagulation
Cryocoagulation is a more modern method of treating benign tumors. It is carried out in case of formation of tumors on soft tissues. This method was first tried in Israel, after which it became very widespread throughout the world. Cryocoagulation offers a chance for recovery in patients with bone cancer. Treatment allows you to remove the tumor without any consequences for the tissue and skeleton.
Administering replacement therapy
Many formations of a benign nature occur due to a malfunction of the hormonal system. In the event that the tumor is small and does not show signs of further development, the patient is prescribed replacement therapy. At the same time, the patient is under the close supervision of specialists and undergoes regular examinations.