Benign facts for kids
The word benign is often used to describe something that is not harmful or dangerous. In medicine, it usually means a condition or growth that will not spread to other parts of the body and is not likely to become deadly if it's not treated right away.
What Does "Benign" Mean?
The word "benign" comes from Latin and means "kind" or "good." When we use it in everyday life, it means something is gentle, harmless, or not threatening. For example, a benign climate is mild and pleasant.
In health, "benign" is a very important word. It helps doctors describe conditions that are not cancerous and do not spread. This is different from "malignant," which means something is harmful and can spread, like cancer.
Benign Tumors: What You Should Know
One of the most common times you'll hear the word "benign" is when talking about tumors. A tumor is a lump or growth of cells in the body. If a tumor is called benign, it means it usually:
- Does not spread to other parts of the body.
- Grows slowly.
- Is not cancer.
- Can often be removed and usually does not come back.
Even though a benign tumor doesn't spread like cancer, it can still cause problems. For example, a benign tumor might grow very large and press on important organs or nerves. This can cause pain or stop an organ from working properly. Sometimes, doctors might need to remove a benign tumor if it's causing problems or if there's a chance it could change.
Can Benign Tumors Change?
Sometimes, a benign tumor can be described as "premalignant." This means that while it is currently benign, there is a risk that it could change over time and become a malignant (cancerous) tumor. Doctors watch these types of growths very carefully to make sure they don't become dangerous.
