Can a benign tumor become cancerous

The carcinogenicity of a benign tumor depends on various factors susceptible to cause genetic mutations of the cells sustaining the benign tumor. In case the patient is exposed to carcinogenic factors such as cigarette smoke or UV radiation, there is a higher risk for his tumor to mutate from benign to malignant. Also, physical abuse and abrasion can play a role in a benign tumor malignancy.

It also depends on the types of tumors: some benign tumors are more likely to become malignant than other. For example, benign tumors of the lungs are more likely to become cancerous than those of the esophagus, as lungs have higher risk of being exposed to carcinogens ( such as cigarette smoke).

The truth is, whether a tumor is benign or not, the best thing to do is to watch out.