How is a malignant tumour different from a benign tumour?
Answers
There are two main classifications of tumors. One is known as benign and the other as malignant. A benign tumor is a tumor that does not invade its surrounding tissue or spread around the body. A malignant tumor is a tumor that may invade its surrounding tissue or spread around the body
Characteristics of Benign Tumors
Cells tend not to spread
Most grow slowly
Do not invade nearby tissue
Do not metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body
Tend to have clear boundaries
Characteristics of Malignant Tumors
Cells can spread
Usually grow fairly rapidly
Often invade basal membrane that surrounds nearby healthy tissue
Can spread via bloodstream or lymphatic system, or by sending "fingers" into nearby tissue
May recur after removal, sometimes in areas other the original site