Benign tumors differ from malignant tumors in that benign tumors

Benign tumors differ from malignant tumors in that benign tumors

• A. Do not invade surrounding tissues
• B. Invade surrounding tissues
• C. Metastasize
• D. Cause rapid necrosis

Answer: (A)

The key idea is how a tumor interacts with surrounding tissue. Benign tumors grow as well-defined, encapsulated masses that do not invade neighboring tissues, so they stay confined rather than infiltrating surrounding structures. Because invasion is a hallmark of cancer spread, benign tumors also do not metastasize and typically don’t cause the rapid necrosis often seen with malignant tumors that outgrow their blood supply. Therefore, the statement that benign tumors do not invade surrounding tissues best captures the difference.

The key idea is how a tumor interacts with surrounding tissue. Benign tumors grow as well-defined, encapsulated masses that do not invade neighboring tissues, so they stay confined rather than infiltrating surrounding structures. Because invasion is a hallmark of cancer spread, benign tumors also do not metastasize and typically don’t cause the rapid necrosis often seen with malignant tumors that outgrow their blood supply. Therefore, the statement that benign tumors do not invade surrounding tissues best captures the difference.