What is a key characteristic of benign tumors compared to malignant ones?

A key characteristic of benign tumors is that they remain localized and do not spread to other parts of the body. This is in stark contrast to malignant tumors, which are known for their ability to invade surrounding tissues and metastasize, or spread, to distant sites through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Benign tumors typically grow slowly and do not exhibit the aggressive behavior of cancerous tumors, making them generally less harmful.

In addition, benign tumors are not classified as cancerous, which distinguishes them from malignant tumors. Rather, they can be considered as non-cancerous growths that may cause issues primarily due to their size or location, rather than through systemic effects or aggressive invasion of tissues. Thus, the retained localization is a defining feature that supports the understanding and management of such tumors in a clinical setting.