When people hear the word "tumor," they often think of cancer and treatments like chemotherapy. However, not all tumors are cancerous. Some are benign, meaning they don’t spread or invade other parts of the body. So, do benign tumors ever need chemotherapy?
Let’s explore what benign tumors are, how they’re usually treated, and how adult and pediatric Neuro-Oncological research can help.
What Is a Benign Tumor?
A benign tumor is a non-cancerous mass of cells that grows slowly and stays in one place. Unlike malignant tumors, benign ones don’t spread to other parts of the body. While benign tumors are generally harmless, their location and size can still cause problems by pressing on nearby organs or nerves.
Some common types of benign tumors include:
- Lipomas: Soft, fatty lumps that form under the skin.
- Fibromas: Tumors that develop from fibrous tissue, like those found in the uterus.
- Meningiomas: Tumors that grow in the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- Gliomas: A type of brain tumor that can sometimes be benign, though many gliomas tend to be malignant.
How Are Benign Tumors Treated?
Most benign tumors don’t need aggressive treatment. In many cases, doctors may recommend simply monitoring the tumor with regular checkups and imaging tests. However, if the tumor is causing symptoms, getting larger, or affecting vital organs, surgery may be necessary to remove it.
Here are common treatment options for benign tumors:
- Observation: If the tumor isn’t growing or causing issues, regular monitoring is often enough.
- Surgery: If the tumor becomes problematic, surgery is usually the best way to remove it.
- Medication: Some benign tumors, particularly those influenced by hormones, may be treated with medication to control their growth.
Do Benign Tumors Ever Need Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is designed to attack rapidly dividing cancer cells, so it’s not usually necessary for benign tumors. Since benign tumors don’t spread like cancer, chemo is rarely part of the treatment plan. However, in some rare situations, chemotherapy may be considered. This happens when:
- The tumor is inoperable: If a benign tumor is in a location where surgery is too risky, chemotherapy might be used to shrink it or control its growth.
- The tumor is growing aggressively: While benign tumors are usually slow-growing, some can grow quickly and cause serious health problems, prompting the use of chemotherapy.
- Certain genetic conditions: Some benign tumors, like those linked to genetic conditions such as neurofibromatosis, may require chemotherapy if they begin growing out of control or affecting critical body functions.
Other Treatments for Benign Tumors
If chemotherapy isn’t needed, there are still other options for treating benign tumors:
- Radiation Therapy: For tumors that can’t be surgically removed, radiation can help shrink them or stop their growth.
- Targeted Therapy: Some benign tumors respond to treatments that target specific proteins or genes driving their growth.
- Lifestyle Changes: For certain types of tumors, changes in diet, exercise, or managing hormone levels can slow growth and ease symptoms.
For patients with benign tumors, our cutting-edge research could lead to new, less invasive treatments in the future.
Get Expert Care at The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center
Deciding on the right treatment for a benign or malignant tumor is an important step in your health journey. While chemotherapy is rarely needed for benign tumors, every case is unique, and a team of specialists can guide you toward the best approach.
At The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, our dedicated doctors are with you at every stage, from diagnosis to personalized treatment plans. Our team of doctors offers the latest advancements in medical care with a focus on compassion and expertise, so you receive the best possible support.
Ready to take control of your health? Schedule an appointment with us today to explore your options for tumor diagnosis and treatment.
Interested in learning more about brain tumor care? Check out these related articles on our blog:
- What Is the Most Common Type of Brain Tumor in Kids?
- How Long Can You Have a Brain Tumor Without Knowing?
- How Active Can You Be with a Brain Cancer Diagnosis?
Frequently Asked Questions: Benign Tumors & Chemotherapy
Do they use chemo for benign tumors?
Chemotherapy is rarely used for benign tumors. It’s typically reserved for malignant tumors unless the benign tumor is aggressive or inoperable.
Do benign tumors need treatment?
Not all benign tumors need treatment. Many are simply monitored unless they start causing symptoms or growing.
Can you live with a benign tumor?
Yes, many people live with benign tumors that don’t require treatment as long as they are monitored regularly.
Can benign lumps turn cancerous?
In rare cases, some benign lumps can become cancerous, depending on the type and location of the tumor.
Why don’t doctors remove benign tumors?
Doctors may avoid removing benign tumors if they aren’t causing symptoms or posing a risk to prevent unnecessary surgery