Differentiation

Characteristics of Benign and Malignant Neoplasm Characteristics Cell Characteristics Mode of growth Rate of growth Metastasis General effects

Tissue destruction Ability to cause death

Benign Well-differentiated cells that resemble normal cells of the which the tumor originated Tumor by expansion and does not infiltrate the surrounding tissue; usually encapsulated Rate of growth is usually slow

Malignant Cells undifferentiated and often bear little resemblance to the cells of the tissue from which they arose Grow at the periphery and sends out processes that infiltrate and destroy the surrounding tissue

Rate of growth is variable and depends on level of differentiation; the more anaplastic the tumor, the faster its growth Does not spread by metastasis Gains access to the blood and lymphatic channels and metastasizes to other areas of the body Is usually a localized phenomenon that Often cause generalized effects, such as anemia, weakness, does not cause generalized effects unless and weight loss its location interferes with vital functions Does not usually cause damage unless Often cause extensive tissue damage as the tumor outgrows its location interferes with blood flow its blood supply or encroaches on blood flow to the area; may also produce substance that cause cell damage Does not usually cause death unless its Usually causes death unless growth can be controlled location interferes with vital functions