Which of the following is a key difference between benign and malignant tumors?

The distinction between benign and malignant tumors is primarily based on their rate of growth and ability to invade surrounding tissues. Benign tumors typically grow slowly and are well-defined, meaning they do not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. In contrast, malignant tumors exhibit rapid cell division and have the capacity to invade neighboring tissues and organs, often leading to metastasis, where cancer cells migrate to distant sites via the bloodstream or lymphatic system. This invasive nature is a hallmark of malignancy and underscores the significant health risks associated with malignant tumors compared to benign ones.

While size and shape, color and texture, and the presence of symptoms can vary between benign and malignant tumors, these factors are not as definitive for distinguishing between the two as the growth rate and invasive potential. These characteristics are integral to understanding the behavior of the tumor and guiding treatment decisions.