Although they are not cancerous, they can still cause symptoms depending on their size and location. Unlike malignant (cancerous) sarcomas, benign tumours generally do not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. In some cases they may need to be removed if they cause pain, discomfort or other complications. It is important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and management of any soft tissue tumour.
Intermediate tumours, such as desmoid fibromatosis, sit between benign and malignant: they can grow and invade locally but do not typically spread to distant sites. The following are some examples of benign and intermediate tumours.