Adenoma (patient information)

For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S.,M.D. [mailto:mgibson@perfuse.org] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Jinhui Wu, M.D.

Overview
Tumors are abnormal growths in your body. They are made up of extra cells. Normally, old cells die, and new ones take their place. Sometimes, however, this process goes wrong. New cells form even when you don't need them, and old cells don't die when they should. When these extra cells form a mass, it is called a tumor.

Tumors can be either benign or malignant. Benign tumors aren't cancer. Malignant ones are. Benign tumors cannot spread or invade other parts of your body. Even so, they can be dangerous if they press on vital organs, such as your brain.

An adenoma is a type of benign tumor which begins from glandular cell in the body. Glands, such as sweat, saliva, breast milk, mucous, and hormones, are specific part of epithelial cells that are used for secretion.

What are the symptoms of Adenoma?
Symptoms of adenomas vary widely. It depends on the size, the location of the adenomas.
 * For example, a small breast adenoma may cause no symptoms and may be unable to detect it. Other biger breast adenomas may cause pain.
 * A lung adenoma can cause fever, chill, shortness of breath, and a bloody cough.
 * A liver adenomas may cause abdonial pain, dyspepsia， nausea, lump in the upper abdomen and abdominal distension.

What causes Adenoma?
The causes of adenoma are not clear. But heredity and environment may be related to the development of adenoma. For example, studies suggest that person with the family history of colon adenomas has more chance to get the disease than others without famliy history.

Who is at highest risk?
Women who use oral contraceptives may be at increased risk of developing liver adenomas.

Diagnosis
Adenomas can be diagnosed by a variety of techniques, including the collection of blood and urine samples, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scanning, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Biopsy is the best way to tell whether the tumor is benign or malignant.

Treatment options
Surgery to remove the adenoma is recommended for the treatment of adenomas.

Where to find medical care for Adenoma?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Adenoma

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Benign tumors usually don't grow back.