Last Updated on November 4, 2025 by mcelik
Finding a new lump or bump can be scary. But, not all growths are serious. At Liv Hospital, we focus on science and care for you. We give you the right diagnosis and treatment, meeting international standards.
Benign tumors grow but don’t harm nearby tissues or spread. Healthline says knowing the difference between benign and cancerous growths is key. This article looks at 12 common types of benign tumors and lumps. It helps you understand them and when to get help.
Non-cancerous tumors, or benign tumors, are abnormal growths. They don’t invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. These growths can happen anywhere and are named based on their tissue of origin.
Benign tumors are usually encapsulated, meaning they have a clear boundary. This helps us tell them apart from malignant tumors, which invade and can spread to other parts of the body.
It’s important to know the difference between benign and malignant growths. Malignant tumors need aggressive treatment. But benign tumors usually don’t, unless they cause symptoms or problems.
The exact causes of benign tumors are not always clear. But we know some risk factors. These include genetic predisposition, hormonal influences, and environmental factors. For example, a benign tumor made up of muscle tissue, known as a leiomyoma, can be influenced by hormonal changes.
Symptoms of benign tumors vary widely. They can include swelling, pain, or discomfort. In some cases, benign tumors can cause more severe symptoms if they press on nerves or organs.
If you notice any unusual growths or symptoms, see a healthcare professional. Early evaluation can help figure out the growth’s nature and the best course of action.
Lipomas are soft growths made of fat tissue. They can appear almost anywhere on the body. We’ll look at what they are, where they often show up, and how to treat them.
Lipomas feel soft and movable under the skin. They are usually painless and can be different sizes. Their soft texture makes them stand out from other lumps.
Lipomas can pop up in many places like the neck, shoulders, and thighs. They’re more common in adults and grow slowly. Some people get many lipomas, called lipomatosis. The exact reason for lipomas isn’t known, but genetics might play a part.
Most lipomas don’t need treatment unless they’re a bother. Surgical removal is often used for big or bothersome ones. Other options include liposuction and injection therapy. It’s best to talk to a doctor to figure out the right treatment.
Fibromas are benign tumors made of fibrous tissue. They can appear in various parts of the body. These growths are usually not cancerous and can look different depending on where they are.
Fibromas come in different types based on their makeup and where they are found. The most common types are hard fibromas and soft fibromas. Hard fibromas are dense and firm, often found on the skin or in tendons. Soft fibromas are more pliable and usually appear on the skin’s surface.
The look of fibromas can vary from small, almost invisible bumps to larger, more noticeable growths. They are usually painless and may only be noticeable by their appearance.
Fibromas can appear in many parts of the body, including the skin, tendons, and internal organs. They are more common in areas like the legs, where they can show up as a non-cancerous tumor on leg. The exact reason for fibromas is not always known, but they might be caused by irritation, trauma, or genetics.
In some cases, fibromas might be linked to conditions that make people more likely to get them. Knowing where they often appear and what might trigger them can help in diagnosing and managing them.
How to manage fibromas depends on their size, location, and if they cause symptoms. Often, fibromas don’t need treatment and can be watched for changes. But if they become a problem or are thought to be something else, more tests might be needed.
Surgical removal is an option for fibromas that are causing symptoms or are a concern for appearance. Deciding to have a fibroma surgically removed should be done after talking it over with a healthcare professional. We will look into the details of surgical options and what to expect during recovery.
In our work, we often see hemangiomas. These are non-cancerous growths made of blood vessels. They can look like blue lumps or other signs on the body. Even though they are usually harmless, they can worry people who get them.
Hemangiomas can show up in different ways. They often look like blue or purple lumps because of their blood vessel makeup. They can pop up anywhere on the body, but are more noticeable in places like the face or limbs. Spotting these signs is key for figuring out what they are and how to treat them.
It’s important to know the difference between infantile and adult hemangiomas. They act differently and need different treatments. Infantile hemangiomas are more common and show up right after birth. They grow fast before they start to shrink. Adult hemangiomas are rarer and might not go away by themselves.
| Characteristics | Infantile Hemangiomas | Adult Hemangiomas |
|---|---|---|
| Age of Onset | Shortly after birth | Adulthood |
| Growth Pattern | Rapid growth followed by involution | Slow growth, may not regress |
| Treatment Approach | Often monitored, may require intervention | Usually requires treatment |
The treatment for hemangiomas depends on their size, location, and type. We might just watch them, or we might need to do surgery. For baby hemangiomas, propranolol is often used. Adult hemangiomas might need to be cut out or treated in other ways. Knowing what to expect helps us manage our patients’ hopes and worries.
By spotting the signs of hemangiomas and knowing their differences, we can give good care and support to those with these benign tumors.
Understanding osteomas is key for those diagnosed with these benign bone growths. Osteomas are benign tumors that grow in the bone. They are slow-growing and non-cancerous lumps.
Osteomas have a dense, compact bone structure. They can appear in any bone but are most common in the skull, sinuses, and jawbone. The exact cause is not always known, but it may be due to genetics, trauma, or infection.
Key Features of Osteomas:
Diagnosing osteomas often involves imaging techniques. Common methods include:
Accurate diagnosis is key to differentiate osteomas from other bone conditions, including malignant tumors.
The management of osteomas depends on their location, size, and symptoms. In many cases, they do not need treatment unless they cause symptoms or cosmetic concerns.
| Location | Symptoms | Management |
|---|---|---|
| Skull or Sinuses | Headaches, sinus pressure | Surgical removal if symptomatic |
| Jawbone | Pain, difficulty chewing | Monitoring or surgical removal |
| Long bones | Often asymptomatic | Conservative management unless symptomatic |
We work closely with patients to find the best treatment plan. This is based on their specific condition and overall health.
Leiomyomas are benign tumors made of smooth muscle cells. They can grow in different parts of the body. Their size and location can cause various symptoms.
Leiomyomas are named based on their location and the muscle type. The name comes from Greek words for smooth and muscle. These tumors are not cancerous and don’t spread.
Key characteristics of leiomyomas include:
Uterine leiomyomas, or uterine fibroids, are the most common. They can cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and reproductive problems. Leiomyomas can also appear in the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and other areas with smooth muscle.
Let’s look at the specific traits and symptoms of leiomyomas in different spots. For example, skin leiomyomas can be painful and need different treatment than uterine fibroids.
Treatment for leiomyomas depends on several factors. These include the tumor’s location, size, and symptoms. Treatment options range from watching small, symptom-free tumors to surgery for those causing problems.
Common treatment approaches include:
We work with patients to find the best treatment. This depends on their needs and the leiomyoma’s characteristics.
It’s important to know about non-cancerous tumors in soft tissues. Soft tissues include fat, muscle, and blood vessels. They can have different types of benign growths.
Non-malignant sarcomas are rare and don’t spread. But, they can be uncomfortable and cause problems. It’s key to watch these growths for any changes.
It’s vital to tell apart different benign soft tissue masses. Knowing about lipomas, fibromas, and leiomyomas is important. Each has its own signs that can be seen through exams and scans.
| Tumor Type | Characteristics | Common Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Lipoma | Soft, movable, and usually painless | Neck, shoulders, back |
| Fibroma | Firm, sometimes tender | Skin, mouth, other soft tissues |
| Leiomyoma | Can be painful, varies in size | Uterus, skin, other areas with smooth muscle |
Imaging like MRI and ultrasound helps find out what soft tissue tumors are. Biopsy is the best way to confirm a diagnosis. It helps rule out cancer and decide on treatment.
Fluid-filled cysts are growths that don’t usually hurt. They can show up anywhere on the body. Most of the time, they are not cancerous.
Cysts come in different types, depending on where they are and what they look like. You might hear about sebaceous cysts, ganglion cysts, and ovarian cysts.
Knowing the different kinds of cysts helps doctors figure out the best way to treat them.
Cysts can pop up in many places, like the skin, ovaries, kidneys, and liver. Even though they’re often painless, some can hurt if they get big or infected.
A non painful lump on thigh could be a cyst, among other things. It’s important to get any new or changing lumps checked by a doctor.
How to treat cysts depends on their size, type, and where they are. Some might just need watching, while others might need to be drained or taken out surgically.
To stop cysts from coming back, you need to fix the problem that caused them. For example, sebaceous cysts might come back if the gland isn’t treated right.
Meningiomas are non-cancerous growths in the meninges, which protect the brain. They can affect people differently, based on their size and where they are.
Meningiomas start from meningothelial cells in the meninges. We don’t know all about why they start, but genetics and radiation might play a part. They can grow slowly, sometimes staying small and not causing problems. But, if they get big, they can press on the brain or spinal cord, causing symptoms.
The symptoms of meningiomas depend on where they are. People might have headaches, seizures, or weakness in their limbs. Doctors usually find them during tests for other reasons or when symptoms show up. MRI and CT scans help doctors see the tumors and how they affect the brain.
Treatment for meningiomas depends on the tumor’s size, location, and the patient’s health. Doctors might watch small tumors or remove larger ones. A team of doctors decides the best treatment. Even after treatment, regular check-ups are needed to watch for any signs of the tumor coming back.
Neuromas are benign growths on nerve tissue. They can greatly affect a person’s quality of life because of the pain and sensitivity they cause. We will look into how they form, their symptoms, and how to manage them.
Neuromas happen when nerve tissue grows abnormally, often due to injury or irritation. This growth can occur on any nerve, like those in the skin, muscles, or deeper tissues.
The location of a neuroma is key in understanding its symptoms and impact. For example, neuromas in weight-bearing areas or where there’s frequent irritation can cause more pain.
The main symptoms of neuromas are pain and sensitivity. The pain can feel like a dull ache or sharp stabbing, and it often gets worse with pressure or movement.
Some people might also feel numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in the affected area. How bad these symptoms are can vary a lot from person to person.
First, doctors usually try conservative approaches. This includes using pain relief medicines, avoiding activities that make it worse, and using padding or orthotics to protect the nerve.
If these methods don’t work, surgery might be an option. Removing the neuroma surgically can help, but there’s a chance it could come back.
| Management Approach | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Conservative Management | Includes pain relief medications and protective measures | Avoids surgery, reduces symptoms |
| Surgical Removal | Involves removing the neuroma | Can provide significant pain relief |
Adenomas are non-cancerous growths from glandular tissue. They can appear in various organs. Each location and type has its own health effects.
Adenomas can show up in different glandular tissues. Here are some common ones:
Each adenoma type has its own traits and health risks.
Even though adenomas are not cancerous, they can cause health problems. They might:
Understanding the health risks of adenomas is key to proper treatment.
The treatment for adenomas depends on where they are and what they are. For example:
Knowing the right treatment for adenomas is vital for managing them well and avoiding complications.
In summary, adenomas are benign growths that can affect health based on their location and type. It’s important to understand these factors for proper management and treatment.
External growths on the skin, like tags and papillomas, are not harmful. They can look different and appear in various spots. Many people worry about them because they can be seen and affect how they look.
Skin tags, or acrochordons, are small, harmless growths. They often show up in skin folds or creases. They can be flesh-colored or a bit darker and are common in places like the neck or armpits.
Papillomas are small, wart-like growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can pop up on the skin and inside the mouth. Knowing about these growths helps in identifying and managing them.
Other growths include seborrheic keratoses and dermatofibromas. Seborrheic keratoses look like brown, black, or tan spots. Dermatofibromas are firm, round, and can be pink or brown. It’s important to know about these to handle them properly.
Benign skin tumors can be influenced by genetics, age, and the environment. Skin tags are more common in older people and those with obesity or diabetes. Papillomas can be caused by viral infections like HPV and are more likely in areas with friction or trauma.
Sun exposure can lead to seborrheic keratoses, and skin injuries can cause dermatofibromas. Knowing these risk factors helps in preventing or managing these growths.
Many benign skin tumors don’t need treatment, but removal is often chosen for looks or if they’re uncomfortable. There are several ways to remove them, like surgery, cryotherapy, or laser treatment. The best method depends on the growth’s type, size, and where it is, along with the person’s skin and preferences.
Looking good is a big reason to remove these growths. For example, removing skin tags on the neck or face can improve appearance. Treating papillomas and seborrheic keratoses can also make the skin look better and boost confidence.
We’ve talked about different non-cancerous tumors and soft tissue lumps. These include lipomas, fibromas, and hemangiomas. Most of these are harmless, but some can cause problems based on where they are and how big they are. For example, a muscle tissue tumor in the uterus, called leiomyoma, can be very uncomfortable.
So, when should you worry about non malignant lesions? If you see any unusual growths or feel pain, numbness, or trouble moving, see a doctor. They can check the lesion and tell you what to do next.
Knowing about non cancerous tumor names and what they are can help you take care of your health. Always watch for changes in your body. If you’re worried about a non malignant lesion, don’t hesitate to get medical help.
A non-cancerous tumor, or benign tumor, is an abnormal growth. It doesn’t invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body.
Common types include lipomas, fibromas, and hemangiomas. Osteomas, leiomyomas, and cysts are also common. Meningiomas, neuromas, adenomas, and skin tumors are other examples.
A lipoma is a benign tumor made of fat tissue. It can appear under the skin, feeling soft and movable.
A leiomyoma is a benign tumor of smooth muscle tissue. It can occur in various parts of the body, including the uterus.
Benign tumors can be painful or not painful. For example, a lump on the thigh might be a lipoma or cyst, depending on its location and size.
Generally, benign tumors don’t become cancerous. But, they can cause health issues due to their size or location.
Benign tumors don’t invade tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors can do both.
Diagnosis often involves imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRI. Sometimes, a biopsy is needed to confirm the tumor’s nature.
Treatment options depend on the tumor’s type and location. They range from monitoring to surgical removal.
Yes, some non-cancerous tumors can recur, like cysts if not properly drained. This is more likely if not completely removed.
Non-malignant sarcomas are not typically considered benign tumors. But, some soft tissue tumors can be benign.
The medical term for a benign tumor of smooth muscle tissue is leiomyoma.
SEER Training. Cancer Terminology. https://training.seer.cancer.gov/disease/cancer/terms.html
Healthline. Benign Tumors: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. https://www.healthline.com/health/benign
Wikipedia. Benign Tumor. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benign_tumor