What is the most common benign tumor found in adults?

The most common benign tumor found in adults is myxoma. Myxomas are primarily located in the heart, and they typically arise within the left atrium. They are composed of a gelatinous matrix and can vary in size, often presenting with symptoms related to obstruction of blood flow or embolization.

Myxomas are noteworthy because they account for a significant percentage of primary cardiac tumors in adults and are particularly important for sonographers to identify and characterize during echocardiographic examinations. Their detection is crucial because while they are benign, they can lead to serious complications if not identified and managed properly. For instance, fragments of the tumor can break off and travel to other parts of the body, potentially causing blockages in vessels.

While other types of tumors may occur, such as rhabdomyoma, fibroma, and angiosarcoma, myxomas are more prevalent and represent the classic benign tumor in adults, especially in the context of cardiac conditions. Rhabdomyomas are more common in pediatric populations, and angiosarcoma is a malignant tumor, which further clarifies the distinction needed when identifying tumor types in adults.