When we hear that someone has a tumor, the first fear that comes to mind is the fear of cancer. Sometimes the fear comes true, and sometimes it does not work out because all tumors are not cancerous. A tumor is a mass of abnormal cells. When cells grow uncontrollably, they form a lump, and medically, it is referred to as a tumor. It takes some space and pushes the organ; the patient can feel pain, and in some cases, it spreads throughout the body.
Depending on the type of cells inside the tumor, it may be a benign tumor (non-cancerous) or a malignant tumor (cancerous). Benign tumors are not cancerous, and they do not spread to nearby tissues or organs. These tumors grow slowly and are usually not life-threatening. Malignant tumors are cancerous, and they spread to nearby tissues or organs. These tumors grow rapidly and are life-threatening.
Here are the key differences between benign and malignant tumors at a glance-
| Benign tumors | Malignant tumors |
| Non-cancerous | Cancerous |
| Do not spread to the surrounding tissues or organs | Spread to the surrounding tissues or organs |
| Slow growth | Rapid growth |
| Recurrence is very rare | Recurrence is high |
| Regular shape | Irregular shape |
| It is moveable if you press it | Not moveable |
| May or may not require treatment | Require treatment |
| Not life-threatening | Life-threatening |
| Capsulated | Non-capsulated |
Common benign tumors: adenomas, fibromas, desmoid tumors, hamartomas, hemangiomas, lipomas, leiomyomas, myomas, and papilloma.
Common malignant tumors: carcinomas, blastomas, germ cells, and sarcomas.
