
The Mesothelioma SOS Glossary - Benign
Benign refers to any medical condition which is not life threatening. Benign typically is used to describe tumor mass, which may be benign or malignant (cancerous). It is important to note that the term “benign” refers only to the biological behavior of the tumor. Benign tumors may be left untreated, and will not invade any surrounding tissues of the body. However, benign tumors are not entirely harmless. It is possible for benign tumors to become life-threatening when they are abnormally large, or when they cause blockages in other regions of the body. Additionally, benign tumors have been known to cause bleeding and blood loss which may contribute to anemia, obstructions in the body, pressure, and even cosmetic changes. Doctors recommend that all tumors be examined and biopsies should be taken in order to ensure that the tumor is not cancerous and will not cause any further complications.