What is a benign tumor?

A benign tumor is characterized by its non-invasive nature, meaning it does not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. This distinguishes it from malignant tumors, which are cancerous and have the potential to metastasize or invade surrounding tissues aggressively. Benign tumors typically grow slowly and are often encapsulated, making surgical removal easier and less risky compared to their malignant counterparts. Additionally, while benign tumors can cause symptoms due to their size or location, they are generally not life-threatening and do not lead to the same serious complications associated with cancer.

In contrast, other options like cancerous tumors or inflammations do not align with the definition of benign tumors, as they either indicate malignancy or tissue damage rather than a non-invasive growth. A fluid-filled sac, while it may seem related, refers more to cysts rather than benign tumors per se.