“Do benign tumors require to be removed?”

My rule is simple but requires each benign tumor a thoughtful approach. If a new tumor has been identified on a physical exam, mammogram, sonogram or breast MRI it is imperative we know what the pathology is If it’s a new finding in a young person and less than 2 cm, having benign characteristics:
-Homogeneous
-Smooth margins
-Wider than taller
-No acoustic shadowing
-To name a few
-It can be followed with a repeat study in 3 to 4 months
-If it enlarges or changes its characteristics, have a specialist do a needle biopsy
-If benign with no premalignant findings, it can be followed without surgical intervention
-If on follow up it continues to enlarge, remove the tumor
-If the tumor is greater than 2 cm no matter what the age or how it looks, I would recommend an excisional biopsy following a needle biopsy
-There are tumors that look benign and are not
-This is why a needle biopsy is my preferred initial approach to all breast tumors
-This way there are minimal surprises at the time of surgery when indicated

Best of luck !!!

No not all benign tumors need to be removed. We may recommend removing if large, growing, causing pain or have a risk of becoming malignant.

You 1st have to prove that it is benign before you can assume that it does not need to be removed. This can be done very simply with an ultrasound-guided core biopsy. If the biopsy proves that it's benign, then you have the option of waiting to see if it grows. However, if something is around 2 cm in size or greater, chances are it would best be removed. If it is proven to be benign, the chances of it causing complications down the line is small. This information is educational in nature, but you should make any final decisions based on discussions with your doctor.