Discovering you have a tumor can be unsettling, but it’s important to remember that many tumors are benign and may not require immediate intervention. In fact, some benign tumors even disappear over time, particularly in children. However, if a benign tumor is causing symptoms or poses a risk, various effective treatments are available. The Vascular and Interventional Centre is committed to providing you with the most advanced and personalized care. Let’s explore the options for benign tumor treatment and how we can help you make informed decisions.
What is a Benign Tumor?
Benign tumors are noncancerous growths that occur when cells multiply more rapidly than they should or don’t die off as expected. Unlike cancerous tumors, benign tumors grow slowly and do not spread to other parts of the body. While they are not inherently life-threatening, they can cause discomfort, pain, or other health issues depending on their size and location.
When is Benign Tumor Treatment Necessary?
In many instances, if a benign tumor is small and not causing symptoms, a “watchful waiting” approach may be recommended. This involves regular monitoring to ensure the tumor isn’t growing or causing problems. However, treatment becomes necessary when:
- The tumor is causing pain, pressure, or other bothersome symptoms.
- The tumor is located in a critical area where it affects organ function.
- The tumor is growing rapidly or aggressively.
- There is a risk of complications such as fracture or disability.
Benign Tumour Treatment Options
The good news is that various benign tumor treatment options are available, ranging from non-invasive monitoring to minimally invasive procedures and, in some cases, surgery. The most appropriate approach depends on the tumor type, size, location, and your overall health.
Observation
If the tumor isn’t growing or causing issues, regular monitoring is often enough.
Medication
Some benign tumors, especially those influenced by hormones or vascular tumors like hemangiomas, may be treated with medication to control their growth or ease symptoms. For instance, medicated gels or creams can help reduce hemangiomas, while steroids might shrink tumors causing pain or pressure. Propranolol, a beta-blocker, has shown significant improvement in treating complicated infantile hemangiomas.
Interventional Radiology
Interventional radiology offers minimally invasive benign tumor treatment options that can be performed through a needle hole on the skin, without incisions or stitches. These procedures are typically done under local anesthesia, allowing patients to return to normal life almost immediately with a much lower risk compared to surgery. Common benign tumors treated with interventional radiological methods include:
Surgery
Surgery is a common treatment for benign tumors, aiming to remove the tumor without damaging surrounding tissues. In some cases, surgery may involve limb salvage procedures to remove the tumor while preserving nearby muscles, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-dose X-rays to kill tumor cells and shrink tumors. It may be an option for tumors that can’t be surgically removed or for those that are growing aggressively. Stereotactic radiosurgery, a specialized type of radiotherapy, can precisely target tumors deep within the brain without damaging surrounding tissue.
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.
The Vascular and Interventional Centre Approach
At The Vascular and Interventional Centre, we understand that each patient’s situation is unique. We offer a comprehensive approach to benign tumor treatment, starting with a thorough evaluation to determine the most appropriate course of action. Our experienced team utilizes state-of-the-art technology and minimally invasive techniques to provide effective and personalized care.
Are you ready to take the next step? Contact us today to learn more about our benign tumor treatment options and how we can help you achieve optimal health!