What is cancer?

Malignant vs  Benign Cancers

Malignant Cancer

• Malignant tumors are cancerous growths that can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

• These tumors are made up of cells that have undergone mutations, or changes in their genetic material (DNA), which cause them to divide uncontrollably.

• These mutations can be caused by various factors, such as exposure to carcinogens (like tobacco smoke or UV radiation), genetic predisposition, or viruses.

• When a cell's DNA is damaged or mutated, it may lose its ability to regulate its growth and division properly. As a result, it starts dividing uncontrollably, forming a mass of cells known as a tumor.

Metastasis in Malignant Tumors

• Malignant tumors have the ability to spread to other parts of the body through metastasis.

• During metastasis, cancer cells from the original tumor break away and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other parts of the body.

• Once they reach a new location, these cancer cells can invade surrounding tissues and establish new tumors, known as secondary or metastatic tumors.

• Metastatic tumors can form in organs or tissues far away from the original tumor site, making treatment more challenging and reducing the chances of successful outcomes.

Benign Tumors

• Benign tumors, on the other hand, are non-cancerous growths that do not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body.

• These tumors also arise from cells with mutations, but the mutations typically do not confer the ability to invade or metastasize.

• Benign tumors are usually enclosed within a fibrous capsule and grow slowly. They often cause fewer health problems compared to malignant tumors.

• While benign tumors may still need to be removed if they cause symptoms or complications, they generally do not pose the same level of threat as malignant tumors.