When a tumor is diagnosed as benign, doctors will usually leave it alone rather than remove it. Even though these tumors are not generally aggressive toward surrounding tissue, occasionally they may continue to grow, pressing on other tissue and causing pain or other problems.

Fibroadenomas are common noncancerous (benign) breast lumps. They're a type of benign breast disease that rarely increases breast cancer risk. Fibroadenomas may get bigger or smaller over time. Some disappear completely.

Benign tumors have smooth, distinct borders and are typically slow growing. They can get bigger, but they grow in one place without spreading.

Unlike a cancerous tumor, which can potentially invade nearby tissues and spread to distant organs, a benign mass is not life-threatening, cannot metastasize and may not require treatment. After diagnosing a benign breast lump, a physician may simply suggest a "wait-and-watch" approach to monitor the mass for changes.