What characterizes benign tumors?

Benign tumors are characterized as being unharmful. This means they typically do not have the aggressive nature that malignant tumors possess. Unlike malignant tumors, benign tumors do not invade surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body. They usually grow slowly and can often be removed surgically if necessary, but they do not pose a significant threat to the overall health of the individual.

In contrast, malignant tumors are known for their uncontrolled growth, ability to metastasize (spread to other organs), and potential to be life-threatening. While surgery may sometimes be necessary for benign tumors, this does not define them, as many benign tumors can be left untreated if they do not cause symptoms. Thus, the defining characteristic of benign tumors is their generally harmless nature.