What Is Benign Cancer?

All cancers begin in the body's cells. To keep the body healthy and growing, cells grow and divide to produce new cells. Old and damaged cells die off and are replaced with new cells. When something goes wrong with the normal cell division and growth process, unneeded cells collect and form masses called tumors.

Significance

• Tumors are either benign or malignant. Benign tumors are noncancerous and also referred to as benign cancer. Malignant tumors are cancerous.

Identification

• A biopsy is usually performed to determine whether a tumor is benign or malignant. Some biopsies can be performed in a doctor's office, while others require surgery.

Features

• Benign tumors often grow larger than cancerous tumors, but they stay confined to one area and do not spread to other parts of the body. Many do not grow back once they are removed.

Effects

• Even though benign tumors aren't cancerous, they can still be dangerous if they press against vital organs. Treatment for these tumors often involves surgical removal.

Considerations

• According to the Association for International Cancer Research, everyone has benign tumors, and most aren't dangerous. Examples of common ones are warts and moles.