Benign VS. Malignant

Malignant (ability to cause death)

usually causes death unless growth can be controlled.

Malignant metastasis

Gains access to the blood and lymphatic channels and metastasizes to the other areas of the body.

Malignant mode of growth

Grows at the periphery and overcomes contact inhibition to invade and infiltrate surrounding tissues.

Malignant Cell

Cells are undifferentiated and may bear little resemblance to the normal cells of the tissue form which they arose.

Benign metastasis

Does NOT spread by metastasis

Benign (ability to cause death)

Does not usually cause death unless its location interferes with vital function

Benign tissue destruction

Does not usually cause tissue damage unless its location interferes with blood flow

Benign general effects

It is usually localized phenomenon that does not cause generalized effects unless its location interferes with vital functions

Malignant 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.

Malignant general effects

Often causes generalized effects, such as anemia, weakness, systemic inflammation, weight loss, and CACS

Benign rate of growth

Rate of growth is usually slow

Malignant rate of growth

Rate of growth is variable and depends on level of differentiation; a more anaplastic the tumor, the faster the growth.

Benign mode of growth

Tumors grow by expansion and does not infiltrate the surrounding tissue; usually encapsulated.

Benign Cell

Well differentiated cells resemble normal cells if the tissue from which the tumor originated

Anaplastic

pattern of growth in which cells lack normal characteristics and differ in shape and organization with respect to their cells or origin; usually anaplastic cells are malignant.