Differences between benign and malignant tumors
What is the difference in metastasis between benign and malignant tumors?
*Benign* tumors do not spread by metastasis. *Malignant* tumors gain access to the blood and lymphatic channels and metastasizes or grows across body cavities or other areas of the body.
What are the characteristics of malignant cells?
Cells are undifferentiated and may bear little resemblance to the normal cells of the tissue from which they arose.
Does a benign tumor have the ability to cause death?
Does not cause death unless its location interferes with vital functions
Does benign tumors cause tissue destruction?
Does not usually cause tissue damage unless its location interferes with blood flow
Does malignant tumors cause tissue destruction?
Often causes extensive tissue damage as the tumor outgrows its blood supply or encroaches on blood flow to the area; may also produce substances that cause cell damage
What are the characteristics of benign cells?
Well-differentiated cells that resemble normal cells of the tissue from which the tumor originated.
What are the general effects of malignant tumors?
causes generalized effects, such as anemia, weakness, systemic inflammation, weight loss, and CACS (cancer-related anorexia-cachexia syndrome)
Does a malignant tumor have the ability to cause death?
eventually causes death unless growth can be controlled.
What is the mode of growth for malignant tumors?
grows at the periphery and overcomes contact inhibition to invade surrounding tissues.
What is the mode of growth for benign tumors?
grows by expansion and does not infiltrate the surrounding tissues; usually encapsulated.
What is the rate of growth of benign tumor?
rate of growth is usually slow.
What are the general effects of benign tumors?
usually localized, does not cause generalized effects unless its location interferes with vital functions.
What is the rate of growth of malignant tumor?
variable and depends on level of differentiation; the more *anaplastic* the tumor, the faster its growth.
