Our Oncology Result:

These may form in various parts of the body. Benign Tumors grow slowly, and do not spread or invade other tissues. They are not 'cancerous' and are not usually life-threatening. They often do not harm if they are left alone. However, some benign Tumors can cause problems. For example, some grow quite large and may cause local pressure symptoms, or look unsightly. Also, some benign Tumors that arise from cells in hormone glands can make too much hormone which can cause unwanted effects.

Our Oncology Result:

Malignant Tumors tend to grow quite quickly, and invade into nearby tissues and organs which can cause damage. The original site where a tumour first develops is called a primary tumour. Malignant Tumors may also spread to other parts of the body to form 'secondary' Tumors (metastases). These secondary Tumors may then grow, invade and damage nearby tissues, and spread again

Some malignant cells may get into a local small blood vessel (capillary). They may then get carried in the bloodstream to other parts of the body. The cells may then multiply to form 'secondary' Tumors (metastases) in one or more parts of the body. These secondary Tumors may then grow, invade and damage nearby tissues, and spread again.

Cells that make up benign Tumors are different to malignant cells. Cells in benign Tumors tend to be quite similar to normal cells. They do not invade local tissues. A benign tumour often grows slowly within a 'capsule' or within normal cells which surround the tumour . A benign tumour tends to look and feel smooth and regular and have a well defined edge. This is unlike a malignant tumour which may look 'craggy' and irregular, and its edges tend to be mixed up with the nearby normal cells and tissue.