Benign vs. Malignant Tumours: Understanding the Differences

A tumour is an abnormal mass of tissue that forms due to either excessive production/division of cells or when the death rate of cells drops below normal, resulting in a lump that can be either benign or malignant. While benign tumours are non-cancerous and pose limited risk, malignant tumours are cancerous and can be life-threatening. Recognising the key differences between benign and malignant tumors is essential, so that patients can have informed discussions with their doctors and make decisions aligned with their medical needs and circumstances. In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between benign and malignant tumours, explore their key characteristics, and when it’s crucial to consult a doctor.

What are Benign Tumours?

Benign tumours are growths of cells that remain confined to one area and do not spread to other parts of the body. They usually grow slowly and are often surrounded by a protective capsule, which makes them easier to remove if needed. Most benign tumours are not life-threatening, but they can sometimes cause problems if they press on nearby organs, nerves, or blood vessels.

Common examples of benign tumours include:

• Lipomas: Soft, fatty lumps usually found under the skin.
• Fibromas: Tumours that develop in connective tissues.
• Adenomas: Tumours that form in glandular tissues such as the thyroid or pituitary gland.
• Hemangiomas: Benign growths of blood vessels, often appearing as red or purple marks on the skin.
• Leiomyomas: Smooth muscle tumours, commonly found in the uterus (also called fibroids).

Even though benign tumours are generally not dangerous, getting them checked by a doctor is important to confirm the diagnosis and decide if treatment or monitoring is needed.

What are the Common Symptoms of Benign Tumors?

Benign tumours often develop slowly, and in many cases, they may not cause noticeable symptoms at first. Common symptoms include:

• Visible lump or swelling: A soft, firm, or slightly rounded lump under the skin is one of the most common signs. It usually remains in one place and grows slowly over time.
• Pain or discomfort: Most benign tumours are painless, but they can cause mild discomfort if they press on nerves, muscles, or nearby organs.
• Changes in size or shape: The lump may gradually increase in size. Rapid changes are less common but should always be evaluated.
• Pressure on nearby organs or structures: Depending on its location, a tumour can interfere with normal function. For example, a fibroid in the uterus may cause heavy periods, while a tumour near the bladder could affect urination.
• Limited mobility or stiffness: Tumours near joints or muscles may make movement uncomfortable or restricted.
• Skin changes: Occasionally, the skin over a tumour may appear stretched, slightly red, or warm, especially if the tumour is close to the surface.

How are Benign Tumours Treated?

Most benign tumours are not life-threatening, and in many cases, they do not require immediate treatment. The approach to managing a benign tumour depends on factors such as its size, location, growth rate, symptoms, and the risk of affecting nearby organs or tissues. Treatment strategies include:

• Observation and Monitoring: Many benign tumours grow very slowly and may not cause any symptoms. In such cases, doctors often recommend regular monitoring through check-ups, imaging tests like ultrasounds or MRIs, and physical examinations to ensure the tumour remains stable. This approach helps avoid unnecessary procedures while keeping track of any changes.
• Surgical Removal: Surgery is usually recommended when a benign tumour causes pain, discomfort, or pressure on nearby organs, nerves, or blood vessels. Complete removal is often possible due to the tumour’s encapsulated nature, and it typically prevents the tumour from coming back.
• Medications: Certain benign tumours, particularly those influenced by hormones, may be managed with medication. For instance, hormone therapy can help reduce the size of uterine fibroids or control symptoms caused by hormone-sensitive adenomas.
• Minimally Invasive Procedures: Depending on the tumour type and location, less invasive treatments such as laser therapy, radiofrequency ablation, cryotherapy, or endoscopic removal may be used. These approaches can reduce recovery time and minimize the impact on surrounding tissues.
• Lifestyle and Symptom Management: While lifestyle changes do not cure benign tumours, managing related symptoms such as pain, swelling, or hormone imbalance can improve comfort and overall quality of life.

What are Malignant Tumours?

Malignant tumours, commonly known as cancers, are growths of abnormal cells that can be serious and life-threatening if not treated promptly. Unlike benign tumours, malignant tumours grow rapidly and have the ability to invade nearby tissues and organs. They can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic system, a process called metastasis. Malignant tumours are often more aggressive and can interfere with the normal functioning of organs.

Common examples of malignant tumours include:

• Carcinomas: These arise from the epithelial cells lining organs such as the lungs, breast, colon, or skin.
• Sarcomas: Tumours that develop in connective tissues like bones, muscles, cartilage, or fat.
• Leukemias: Cancers of the blood and bone marrow that affect the production and function of blood cells.
• Lymphomas: Malignancies of the lymphatic system, which can impact immune function.
• Melanomas: Aggressive cancers originating in the pigment-producing cells of the skin.

Malignant tumours require prompt medical attention, as they can grow quickly, spread to other parts of the body, and significantly impact overall health.

What are the Common Symptoms of Malignant Tumors?

Malignant tumours often develop more aggressively than benign ones and may produce noticeable signs as they grow or spread.

Common symptoms include:

• Rapidly growing lump or mass: Unlike benign lumps, malignant tumours often increase in size quickly and may feel hard or irregular.
• Persistent pain or discomfort: Pain can occur if the tumour invades surrounding tissues, nerves, or organs.
• Unexplained weight loss: Significant weight loss without changes in diet or activity may signal an underlying cancer.
• Fatigue or weakness: Malignant tumours can affect energy levels due to metabolic changes or anemia caused by blood-related cancers.
• Changes in skin or tissue: This may include new moles, dark patches, sores that don’t heal, or yellowing of the skin.
• Bleeding or unusual discharge: Blood in urine, stool, or abnormal vaginal bleeding can indicate a malignant tumour in those organs.
• Persistent cough or breathing issues: Tumours in the lungs or chest may cause coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
• Digestive problems: Malignant tumours in the digestive tract may lead to persistent nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits.
• Swollen lymph nodes: Enlargement of lymph nodes, often in the neck, armpit, or groin, can be a sign of cancer spread.

These symptoms may vary depending on the type and location of the malignant tumour. Experiencing one or more of these signs does not automatically indicate cancer, but it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and timely diagnosis.

How are Malignant Tumors Treated?

Treatment plan for  malignant tumours depends on the type of cancer, its stage, location, and the overall health of the patient. Common treatment approaches include:

• Surgery: Surgical removal is often the first step for many cancers, especially if the tumour is localized. The goal is to remove the entire tumour along with some surrounding tissue to reduce the risk of recurrence.
• Chemotherapy: This involves the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells or stop their growth. Chemotherapy may be used before surgery to shrink a tumour, after surgery to target remaining cancer cells, or as the primary treatment for cancers that are difficult to remove surgically.
• Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are used to target and destroy cancer cells. Radiation can be applied externally or internally, depending on the tumour’s location, and is often combined with surgery or chemotherapy.
• Targeted Therapy: These treatments focus on specific molecules or pathways involved in cancer growth, aiming to block tumour progression while minimizing damage to healthy cells.
• Immunotherapy: This approach helps the body’s immune system recognise and attack cancer cells, which can be effective for certain types of malignancies.
• Hormone Therapy: Some cancers, such as breast or prostate cancer, rely on hormones to grow. Hormone-blocking treatments can slow or stop tumour growth in these cases.
• Palliative Care: For advanced cancers, treatments may focus on relieving symptoms, reducing pain, and improving quality of life, alongside or instead of curative treatments.

Treatment for malignant tumours is often personalised, involving a combination of therapies to achieve the best possible outcome.

Key Differences between Benign and Malignant Tumours

Cancer Myths vs Facts

Cancer is often surrounded by half-truths and long-held beliefs that are passed around without much questioning. Some of these can create unnecessary fear, while others may delay seeking medical advice. Below are some of the most common myths, along with the actual facts:

MYTH #1: Cancer is always hereditary

FACT: Only 5-10% of cancers are directly inherited. Most cancers result from a combination of genetic mutations acquired during a person’s lifetime, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.

MYTH #2: Sugar feeds cancer cells, so avoiding it can stop cancer growth

FACT: All cells need sugar for energy. There’s no evidence that eliminating sugar from your diet stops cancer growth. However, maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition is beneficial.

MYTH #3: Cancer is contagious

FACT: Cancer cannot be transmitted from person to person through casual contact. However, certain viruses that increase cancer risk (such as HPV and Hepatitis B) can be transmitted.

MYTH #4: If no one in my family has had cancer, I won’t get it

FACT: Most people who develop cancer don’t have a family history of the disease. Environmental factors, lifestyle, and random genetic mutations play significant roles.

MYTH #5: Biopsies and surgery cause cancer to spread

FACT: Modern surgical techniques and biopsy procedures do not cause cancer to spread. This persistent myth has been thoroughly disproven by medical research.

MYTH #6: Superfoods can prevent or cure cancer

FACT: Although nutritious foods support overall health and may reduce cancer risk, no single food can prevent or cure cancer. A balanced diet is important, but it’s not a substitute for medical treatment.

MYTH #7: Cancer is always a death sentence

FACT: Many cancers are highly treatable, especially when detected early. Survival rates for numerous cancer types have improved significantly due to advances in screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

MYTH #8: Deodorants and antiperspirants cause breast cancer

FACT: Multiple scientific studies have found no conclusive link between the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and breast cancer.

MYTH #9: Cell phones cause cancer

FACT: Current research does not support a causal link between cell phone use and cancer. The radiofrequency energy from phones is non-ionizing and doesn’t damage DNA.

MYTH #10: Chemotherapy does more harm than good

FACT: Although chemotherapy has side effects, the truth is, it’s an effective treatment that has saved countless lives. The benefits often significantly outweigh the risks for many cancer types.

When Should You Consult a Doctor?

Whether you notice a small lump or are experiencing unexplained symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly.  You should consider consulting a doctor if you notice:

• A new lump or swelling: Any unusual growth under the skin or within the body, especially if it continues to grow.
• Rapid changes in a lump: Sudden increase in size, irregular shape, or hard texture.
• Persistent pain or discomfort: Ongoing pain near a lump or in any part of the body without a clear cause.
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue: Significant changes in weight or energy levels that cannot be explained by lifestyle changes.
• Unusual bleeding or discharge: Blood in urine, stool, cough, or abnormal vaginal bleeding.
• Changes in skin or moles: New spots, growths, or sores that do not heal over time.
• Symptoms affecting daily activities: Difficulty breathing, swallowing, moving, or any organ-related problems caused by pressure from a lump.
• Family history or high-risk factors: If you have a history of cancer in your family or known genetic risks

Final Thoughts

Not all tumours are cancerous, and it can be difficult to tell the difference just by looking or feeling a lump. If you notice a new lump, a rapidly growing mass, persistent pain, or any unusual changes in your body, it’s important to get a proper evaluation rather than wait and see. The specialists at RGCIRC (Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre) can examine your symptoms, recommend the right tests, and guide you toward appropriate treatment if needed. For personalised assessment and timely guidance, book a consultation with one of our specialists by calling at +91-11-47022222, +91-11-27051037, or fill out our contact form, and the team will get in touch with you shortly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tests are done to diagnose tumours?

Doctors use a combination of tests to identify tumours and determine if they are benign or malignant. Common tests include imaging scans such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRI, which provide a detailed view of the growth. Blood tests may detect tumour markers for certain cancers, and biopsies involve taking a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis to confirm the type of tumour.

Is a biopsy painful?

A biopsy may cause mild discomfort, but local anaesthesia is typically used to numb the area, making the procedure manageable. Depending on the location of the tumour, some biopsies may be done with minimal invasiveness, such as needle biopsies, which are quicker and less painful than surgical biopsies.

How fast do malignant tumours grow?

Malignant tumours generally grow faster than benign ones, but the growth rate varies depending on the type of cancer. Some may expand over weeks, while others develop more slowly over months. Rapid growth, irregular shape, and changes in surrounding tissues are often warning signs.

Can malignant tumours be cured?

Many malignant tumours can be effectively treated, especially when detected early. Treatment options like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapy aim to remove or destroy cancer cells. The likelihood of a cure depends on factors such as tumour type, stage, location, and overall health of the patient.

What happens if a tumour is left untreated?

Leaving a tumour untreated can lead to complications. Benign tumours may grow large enough to press on organs or nerves, causing pain or functional problems. Malignant tumours can invade nearby tissues, metastasize to distant organs, and severely impact overall health, sometimes becoming life-threatening. Early consultation and treatment are crucial to prevent these risks.

Can a benign tumour ever become malignant?

While most benign tumours remain harmless, some rare types may develop changes over time that increase the risk of becoming malignant. Regular check-ups help monitor any changes in size or behaviour.

Are benign tumours hereditary?

Some benign tumours, such as neurofibromas adenomas or fibroids, may run in families, but most are not directly inherited. Genetics can play a role in susceptibility, but lifestyle and environmental factors also contribute.

How do doctors determine if a tumour is benign or malignant?

In addition to physical examination and imaging, doctors may use biopsies or specialized lab tests to study cell characteristics, which helps confirm the tumour type and guide treatment.

Do benign tumours affect overall health?

Even though benign tumours are usually non-cancerous, they can cause health issues if they press on vital organs, nerves, or blood vessels. Monitoring and, in some cases, removal can prevent complications.

Are all tumours visible or palpable?

Not always. Some tumours, especially those inside the body or in organs like the liver or kidneys, may not produce visible lumps or obvious symptoms. Imaging tests are often necessary for detection.