What is a benign soft tissue tumour?

A soft tissue tumour is a growth of abnormal cells in the body's soft tissues. These tissues include the muscles, lymph and blood vessels, nerves, and fat. They can also include cartilage and other connective tissues. When a tumour is benign (say "bih-NYN"), that means it's not cancer. Most soft tissue tumours are benign.

Benign tumours don't spread to other tissues and organs. They usually aren't life-threatening. But they can cause problems if they grow too much, press on nerves, or cause pain.

What are some common types of these tumours?

Some common types of benign soft tissue tumours in children include:

Vascular lesions.

These are common in blood vessels and in the skin.

Fibromatoses.

These are skin or soft tissue tumours.

Neurogenic tumours.

These are tumours of the nerves. They can be painful.

Benign synovial tumours.

These may be found in the soft tissues of the hands and feet, and sometimes in the knee joint.

Other types of tumours may appear on the skin, belly, limbs, organs, and nerves. Examples include fibromas, lipomas, soft tissue cysts, and neurofibromas.

What are the symptoms?

Sometimes a tumour can be felt as a bump under the skin. Or if the tumour is deep enough below the skin, you may not be able to feel it on your child. Your child may also feel pain near the tumour if it's large or pressing on something.

How are these tumours diagnosed?

The doctor will ask about your child's symptoms and past health and will do an exam. A physical exam can help your doctor diagnose some soft tissue tumours.

The doctor may find a tumour when taking X-rays or other imaging tests for another problem.

If the doctor isn't sure what the growth is, and if your child's symptoms could be signs of a tumour, your child will get some tests. The tests can help make sure it's not cancer. They can also help the doctor figure out the best treatment for the tumour.

• Your child may have one or more imaging tests to get a better look at the tumour. These may include:
  • X-rays.
  • Ultrasound tests.
  • CT scan.
  • MRI scan.
• Your child may need blood tests and lab work.
• Your child may need a biopsy so a sample of the tumour can be looked at under a microscope. This sample may also be used to test for biomarkers. They will help with planning treatment.

Doctors may also look at other parts of your child's body for other tumours.

How are they treated?

Some benign soft tissue tumours that aren't causing problems can be watched over time. Some may remain stable or go away on their own. But if the tumour causes pain, is growing larger, or affects your child's movement, it may need to be removed.

You may also choose to have these tumours removed if they bother your child or if you and your child don't like how they look.

Doctors may remove some tumours with surgery. In some cases, other treatments, including medicines, may be used.

Talk with the doctor or specialist about other types of treatments for your child's tumour. After treatment, the doctor may want to check the area again to make sure that the growth doesn't come back.