A benign tumor is a mass of cells that grow in a confined area and do not spread to other parts of the body. Benign tumors are typically not cancerous and do not spread to other parts of the body. They’re usually not life-threatening and can often be removed with surgery. In 10th grade, students may learn about benign tumors in biology or health classes.
Types of Benign Tumors
Benign tumors can be categorized in several different ways. Depending on what type of cells they’re made of, the tumors may be named differently. Common types of benign tumors include:
Fibroma: Fibromas are made up of fibrous tissue, and they often form on the skin or in the lining of organs.
Lipoma: Lipomas are made up of fatty tissue and often form in the fat layers of the body's skin.
Hemangioma: Hemangiomas are made up of blood vessels and are typically seen as a raised, red spot on the skin.
Neurofibroma: Neurofibromas are made up of nerve tissue, and they typically form on or near a nerve.
Treatment of Benign Tumors
The treatment of benign tumors depends on the type of tumor, its location, and its size. Surgery is the most common treatment for benign tumors, but other methods may be used. These include radiation, chemotherapy, and cryotherapy (freezing the tumor). In some cases, benign tumors can be monitored without treatment.
In 10th grade, students may learn about benign tumors in biology or health classes. They can learn about the different types of benign tumors, how they’re treated, and what to do if they find they’ve developed one.
