Major Research Findings

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors in women, with a high incidence and unknown causes. 14 aimed to explore the correlation between Methylenetetra-hydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism and UF.

Pituitary adenomas are benign tumors with variable functional characteristics that can have a significant impact on patients. 23 explored the inherited genetic susceptibility of pituitary adenomas.

Tuberous sclerosis (TS) is a rare, autosomal dominant, multisystem genetic disease that causes multiple benign tumors in the brain and other vital organs. 15 highlighted the importance of targeting cutaneous lesions for a rapid diagnosis of TS and its associated lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LMA) to identify the etiology of severe hyponatremia.

New onset seizures in pregnancy or the postpartum period can be of great importance and denote various underlying pathologies. 10 reported a rare case of a 36-year-old lady who presented with severe headache, seizure, and loss of consciousness in the postpartum period, five days after delivery of a full-term baby. Primary emergency evaluation revealed an extra-axial lesion with subdural hemorrhage, diagnosed as fibroblastic meningioma (WHO grade I).

Fibroblast-activation protein (FAP) is a serine protease classified in the dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) family. 16 described the non-oncologic incidental uptake on FAPI PET/CT imaging, providing a comprehensive overview of physiological and non-oncologic causes of FAPI uptake for accurate interpretation of FAPI PET/CT.

20 aimed to determine the prevalence and characterize prostate cancer (PC) cases in Aseer, Saudi Arabia.

Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are benign tumors arising from cranial nerve VIII. 3 summarized how radiation causes cellular and DNA injury, discussing the radiobiology of VS and its potential contribution to clinical outcomes.

Metabolic dysfunctions after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) need to be considered when pancreatic head resection is likely to lead to long-term survival. 12 investigated the long-term endocrine and exocrine dysfunction caused by resection of the duodenum after Whipple procedure for benign tumors.

Angiolipomas are relatively rare benign tumors. 18 reported a case of hemorrhagic sudden onset of spinal epidural angiolipoma.

Lipomas are common benign tumors. 6 reviewed the multidisciplinary experience with brachial plexus lipoma resection, presenting the largest case series to date.

Schwannomas are rare benign tumors of the nerve sheath. 1 reported a case of schwannoma of the sciatic nerve as a cause of extra-articular knee pain.

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant genetic disease. 5 identified a distinct renal cystogenic mechanism in TSC, demonstrating the critical role that FOXI1 and A-IC cells, along with H⁺-ATPase, play in TSC kidney cystogenesis.

2 highlighted a case of thymic cancer causing pericardial effusion, expanding the knowledge base of clinicians that pericardial effusions can be caused by malignant extension of tumors.

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a tumor predisposition syndrome with significant renal cystic and solid tumor disease. 11 investigated the renal manifestations of TSC.

Leiomyoma is one of the most common benign tumors. 21 analyzed the effect of ERα-351 XbaI A/G, ERα-397 PvuII T/C, and progesterone receptor (PGR) PROGINS polymorphisms on the development of leiomyomas.

Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) is a relatively new breast imaging modality. 9 reviewed various causes of false-positive and false-negative contrast-enhanced mammograms and discussed strategies to reduce these diagnostic errors.

Subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs) are histologically benign tumors most frequently associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). 22 reported a case of hyperproteinorrhachia in a SEGA patient with known TSC, who presented repeatedly with shunt failure from proteinaceous shunt obstruction.

Epidermoid cysts are cutaneous benign tumors commonly seen in young or middle-aged adults. 17 described the plasma exeresis treatment for epidermoid cysts.

Intussusception is defined as the telescoping of the proximal segment of the bowel into the distal segment. 13 reported a case of irreducible ileocecal intussusception due to leiomyoma of the colon.

19 investigated the necessity or unnecessity of sending all tonsillectomy specimens for pathological examinations in Shiraz, Iran.

Diseases such as uterine leiomyomata (fibroids and benign tumors of the uterus) and keloids (raised scars) may share common etiology. 4

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a dominantly inherited disease caused by hyperactivation of the mTORC1 pathway. 8 revealed that CNS abnormalities associated with TSC depend on hyperactivation of mTORC1 and Akt.

7 discussed a case of a peripheral nerve sheath tumor found in the left gluteus medius muscle of a patient that caused persistent, debilitating buttock pain.

Causes of Benign Tumors

The causes of benign tumors are diverse, with various genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors contributing to their development.

Common Causes

Genetic Factors

Genetic factors play a significant role in the development of benign tumors in several syndromes, including tuberous sclerosis, multiple endocrine neoplasia, and Carney complex. 23 , 15 , 5

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors, such as chemicals in food, radiation, and viruses, can also influence the development of benign tumors. These factors can damage cellular DNA and lead to mutations in genes that control cell growth.

Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity can increase the risk of developing benign tumors. These factors can affect hormone levels and other substances that regulate cellular growth and development.

Hormones

Hormones can influence the development of certain types of benign tumors, such as uterine fibroids. 21

Measures to Address Causes

Genetic Factors

While preventing benign tumors caused by genetic factors is challenging, genetic testing can assess risk, enabling early detection and treatment. 23

Environmental Factors

To prevent benign tumors associated with environmental factors, it is important to minimize exposure to chemicals in food, radiation, and viruses.

Lifestyle Factors

To reduce the risk of benign tumors linked to lifestyle factors, it is crucial to adopt healthy habits, including quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Hormones

Hormonal therapy can potentially suppress the development of benign tumors caused by hormonal influences. 21

Comparison Across Studies

Commonalities

Many studies suggest that the causes of benign tumors involve a complex interplay of multiple factors, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle influences. 23 , 15 , 5 , 21

Differences

Individual studies focus on specific types of benign tumors, revealing differences in causative factors and mechanisms. For example, uterine fibroids are prone to hormonal influence, while tuberous sclerosis is caused by genetic mutations. 14 , 11 , 21

Implications for Everyday Life

Preventing benign tumors requires a multifaceted approach that considers genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Genetic testing can help assess individual risk, while adopting a healthy lifestyle can minimize exposure to known risk factors. 23 , 15 , 5 , 21

Limitations of Current Research

The causes of benign tumors are complex, and not all factors have been fully elucidated. Further research is necessary to unravel the intricate mechanisms behind their development. 23 , 15 , 5 , 21

Future Research Directions

The development of new therapies and medications to prevent and treat benign tumors is crucial. 23 , 15 , 5 , 21

Conclusion

Benign tumors can arise from a variety of causes, involving a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. 23 , 15 , 5 , 21 Understanding these factors and implementing preventative measures can significantly contribute to reducing the risk of developing benign tumors.