Difference Between Benign and Malignant Cancer
Benign vs Malignant Tumors: What You Need to Know
Understanding the difference between benign and malignant cancer is crucial for analysing the severity of a tumour. While both involve abnormal cell growth, they differ significantly in behaviour, treatment, and risk.
A malignant tumour with uncontrolled growth of cells and the potential to spread to other bodily areas is called cancer. Let us have a clear knowledge of the effects of benign and malignant cancer by understanding the differences between them.
Benign and Malignant Cancer: Key Differences
To aid awareness and understanding of benign and malignant cancer, read the table below showcasing the significant differences between them:
| Parameters | Benign Cancer | Malignant Cancer |
| Types | Some of the common types of benign tumours are Adenomas, Hamartomas, Lipomas, Meningiomas, and Osteomas. These can occur in various parts of your body. | Carcinomas, Leukemias, Lymphomas, and Sarcomas are some of the most common types of malignant cancers. All of these cancer types develop in different areas of your body. |
| Symptoms | The symptoms of benign tumours can vary depending on the area where they develop. Some common symptoms of benign tumours are bleeding, difficulty in breathing, headaches, pain, and weight loss. | Fatigue, anaemia, shortness of breath, diarrhoea, abnormal lumps, and weight loss are general symptoms of a malignant tumour. |
| Causes | The precise reason why some cells start to proliferate and develop into benign tumours is unknown to researchers. Certain tumours begin to grow while the fetus is still developing. | The growth of cancerous cells leads to malignant neoplasms. Smoking, genetics, chemical toxins, obesity, excessive radiation, and ultraviolet rays may cause a malignant tumour. |
| Shape | Benign tumours mostly have a smooth shape. | Malignant tumours generally have an uneven shape. |
| Complications | Since it does not spread to other body parts, these tumours are generally not life-threatening. | Malignant tumours may release cells that spread to other areas of the body through the lymphatic or circulatory systems to develop new tumours, which can be life-threatening. |
| Diagnosis | The diagnosis of benign tumours depends on your symptoms. Biopsy, X-rays, and imaging tests are included in the diagnosis process. | Your cancer may be tested with the help of routine tests like a colonoscopy and a mammogram. Imaging tests, CT scans, and MRIs can also be included. |
| Treatment | Doctors may prescribe medications to address swelling and pain and surgery to remove tumours. | Some of the common treatment procedures to cure malignant cancer are chemotherapy, drug therapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. |
What are benign and malignant tumours?
Benign and malignant tumours represent two distinct types of abnormal cell growths in the body. Benign tumours are non-cancerous, meaning they do not spread or invade nearby tissues. Medical professionals also call them benign growths or benign neoplasms. They grow slowly and are often harmless, although they can cause issues if they compress organs or nerves.
In contrast, malignant tumours, also known as malignant neoplasms, are cancerous in nature. They grow rapidly, invade nearby tissues, and can spread or metastasise to other parts of the body. Malignant tumours require prompt medical attention due to their aggressive nature. Understanding these differences is vital for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and evaluating the potential risks associated with a tumour.
Understanding the difference between benign and malignant tumours is key to understanding their health implications. While benign tumours are generally non-threatening, malignant tumours pose serious health risks and require immediate treatment. Early diagnosis and medical consultation are essential in managing both conditions effectively and ensuring better health outcomes.
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