benign tumor

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benign tumor

A doctor shows a patient a scan of a benign tumor.

Definition

Noun: A benign tumor is an abnormal growth of cells that forms a mass but does not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body. Unlike cancerous (malignant) tumors, it is not considered life-threatening in itself, though it may cause problems due to its size or location.

Usage

The term is used in medical contexts to describe a specific type of non-cancerous growth. It is often contrasted with a "malignant tumor." * The biopsy results showed it was a benign tumor, which was a great relief. * While a benign tumor is not cancerous, doctors may still recommend removing it if it causes pain.

Advanced Usage
  • "Benign" as a standalone adjective: In medicine, "benign" alone can describe a condition, tumor, or process that is not harmful or not cancerous.
    • The scan revealed a benign cyst.
  • The concept is central to oncology (the study of tumors). A benign tumor is characterized by features like slow growth, a defined border (encapsulation), and cells that closely resemble normal cells (well-differentiated).
Variants and Related Words
  • Benign neoplasm: A more technical synonym often used in medical literature.
  • Benign growth: A less formal, more general term.
  • Adenoma: A common type of benign tumor that arises from glandular tissue.
  • Lipoma: A common type of benign tumor composed of fat tissue.
  • Malignant tumor: The direct antonym; a cancerous growth that can invade and spread.
Synonyms
  • Non-cancerous tumor
  • Benign growth
  • Benign neoplasm (medical)
Antonyms
  • Malignant tumor
  • Cancer
  • Malignancy
benign tumor

A doctor shows a patient a scan of a benign tumor.

Noun
  1. a tumor that is not cancerous