What characterizes a benign tumor?

A benign tumor is characterized as being non-cancerous and not invading surrounding tissues. This means that, unlike malignant tumors, benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body or pose a significant risk of life. They typically have well-defined edges and remain localized, which allows them to often be removed surgically without extensive complications.

This characteristic distinction is crucial for understanding the behaviors of different types of tumors in oncology. Benign tumors can grow in size and may cause symptoms due to their mass effect, but they do not exhibit the aggressive traits associated with cancer that involve invasion and metastasis. Understanding the nature of benign tumors helps to differentiate them in clinical settings, guiding treatment decisions and the management of patient care.