What Are The Chances Of Benign Tumors Becoming Cancerous?

Posted on Thu, 19 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 19 Feb 2015 Answered on

Mon, 16 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : The biopsy of my parotid gland was benign. What are the possibilities that it could become cancerous and how within what time frame should it be removed if this is necessary?

Answered by Dr. Naveen (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Benign tumors very rarely turn malignant...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

Approximately 80% of salivary gland tumours occur in the parotid gland. Of these, approximately 75- 80% are benign.

Benign tumors can be efficiently cured by surgery. Very rarely, they may become malignant if left untreated for a long time or if they are not completely removed. It’s not clear exactly how benign tumors become cancers and the duration it takes to become malignant.

Malignant tumors need to be removed immediately, whereas the removal of benign tumors is judged upon the size of the tumor, rate of growth, type of lesion, age of the patient and any associated symptoms.

If I were your treating doctor, I would advice you to get this removed surgically as early as possible.

Hope I have answered your query; I'll be available for the follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad