What is a common characteristic of a benign tumor?

A common characteristic of a benign tumor is that it is well-differentiated and encapsulated. Benign tumors typically resemble the normal tissue from which they arise, demonstrating a higher degree of differentiation compared to malignant tumors. This means that the cells in benign tumors maintain a structure and function similar to their normal counterparts, contributing to their less aggressive behavior.

Encapsulation is also a key feature of benign tumors. They are often surrounded by a fibrous capsule that clearly delineates the tumor from the surrounding tissues, limiting their ability to invade and spread. This encapsulation helps surgeons to remove the tumor entirely, and it is part of what makes benign tumors less of a health threat compared to malignant tumors.

In contrast, poorly differentiated and infiltrative tumors are more characteristic of malignancy, where the cells do not resemble normal tissue and invade surrounding structures. Features like being metastatic, aggressive, highly cellular, and pleomorphic are typically associated with malignant tumors, which are more concerning due to their potential to spread and cause extensive damage to the body.