Tumor, Benign

History: Symptoms depend on the tissue of origin, and the size and location of the growth. Individuals may report noticing a lump or skin change. They may complain of nausea, a sense of fullness, or weight loss if an abdominal tumor is pressing on the stomach or nearby structures. Tumors can cause pain or nervous system disorders such as dizziness, unsteadiness, vision problems, weakness, or headaches if they compress or disturb nerve tracts or blood vessels.

Physical exam: Physical findings may vary according to the site and size of the tumor. Examination may reveal a lump or skin change when the tumor is located in the soft tissue such as the breast, abdomen, muscle, or skin. However, if the tumor is small and located in the deep structures, such as the lungs, brain, or other organs, no physical abnormalities may be found.

Tests: Diagnostic imaging may be used to visualize internal organs and to determine the location and size of a suspected tumor. X-ray, ultrasound, CT, or MRI may be used either solely or in combination, depending on the organ or tissue involved. A mammogram uses low-dose x-rays to identify changes in breast tissue. Direct inspection of certain internal organs may require the use of an endoscope, a small, lighted tube that is passed into the organ or cavity being examined. This technique is most often used for examinations of the colon (colonoscopy), stomach and adjacent organs (gastroscopy), bladder (cystoscopy), and abdominal cavity (laparoscopy).

Diagnosis is usually confirmed by microscopic examination of tumor tissue cells that have been surgically removed (biopsy) and stained by appropriate techniques. Benign tumor (neoplasm) cells retain many of the same features as the tissue in which they were found, although they will be typically denser than normal tissue.