Benign tumors of soft tissue are more common than benign tumors of bone. They can arise at almost any site – skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscles, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels. These tumors vary widely in appearance and behavior. Some masses can be quite violent. The invasion of nearby tissues increases the probability of an incomplete excision and the possibility that the tumor will come back.
Among the most common tumors which can be classified as benign soft tissue tumors are lipoma, angiolipoma, fibroma, benign fibrous histiocytoma, neurofibroma, schwannoma, neurilemma, hemangioma, giant cell tumor of tendon sheath, glomus tumor of fingers and myxoma. Some conditions, like nodular fasciitis, are not tumors, but may require similar treatment. A small amount of these tumors may be related to an underlying inherited condition. Your surgeon may use specialized techniques and even radiation therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence.
The majority of the tumors in this category are benign tumors of fat called Lipomas. Lipomas commonly occur just beneath the skin as a soft painless bulge which grows slowly over a period of months to years. These tumors represent very little risk to the patient and can be adequately treated by a "marginal excision" which is commonly described as "shelling out the tumor." This type of dealing has a high rate of success. However, not all of these lumps need to be removed.
Sebaceous cysts are frequent noncancerous cysts of the skin. Cysts are abnormalities in the body that may contain liquid or semiliquid material. Sebaceous cysts are mostly found on the face, neck, or body and scrotum. They grow slowly and aren't life-threatening, but they may become uncomfortable if they go unchecked so better it to get it removed.
Epidermoid cysts are often found on the head, neck, back, or genitals. They range in size from very small (millimeters) to inches across. They look like a small bump, and the overlying skin can be skin-colored, whitish, or yellowish in color. If the cyst becomes red, swollen, or painful, changes in size or character, or becomes infected, treatment may be desired. In such cases, treatment options typically include antibiotics. Sometimes the cyst may also be drained. If you want complete resolution of the cyst, you’ll typically need to have it surgically removed. Usually, this is delayed to a later date if the cyst is currently inflamed.