Benign soft tissue tumors are non-cancerous (non-malignant) tumors that develop in the body's soft tissues, including muscle, fat, blood vessels, deep skin tissues, tendons, and ligaments. These tumors are usually slow-growing and often painless, and they rarely spread to other parts of the body. Benign soft tissue tumors are usually found during a routine physical exam or imaging test, and they may or may not require treatment.
Types of Benign Soft Tissue Tumors
There are several types of benign soft tissue tumors, including lipomas, fibromas, neurofibromas, and hemangiomas.
Lipomas are the most common type of benign soft tissue tumor. They are composed of fat cells and are usually found just below the skin. Lipomas can grow very large and can be painful, but they are rarely cancerous and don’t require treatment.
Fibromas are non-cancerous tumors made up of fibrous tissues. They are usually found in the arms, legs, and abdomen and can be painful if they press on a nerve. Fibromas can be removed surgically if they cause pain or discomfort.
Neurofibromas are benign tumors that grow along the body’s nerves. They are usually found in the arms and legs and can grow to be quite large. They are not cancerous, but they can cause nerve pain and discomfort.
Hemangiomas are benign tumors made up of blood vessels. They often appear as raised, red bumps on the skin and can be removed surgically if they cause pain or discomfort.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Benign soft tissue tumors are usually found during a physical exam or imaging test. If the tumor is causing pain or discomfort, it can be removed surgically. In some cases, the tumor may need to be biopsied to confirm that it is benign. In most cases, treatment is not necessary as these tumors are usually slow-growing and do not spread to other parts of the body.
