L3.4.2: Types According to Severity

• Benign

  - Grows locally & compresses surrounding tissue without invading them.

  - Non-cancerous

  - Slow growth

  - Can be surgically removed
• Even though there is growth in the cells, they are incapable of dividing because they are compressed and covered
• Malignant

  - Invades & infiltrates surrounding tissues

  - Fast and uncontrolled growth

  - Cancerous tumors

  - Can be surgically removed if solids, followed by radiation therapy. (only for early stages)

  - If in an advanced stage of cancer, surgery is not advised.

  - Disadvantage of radiation therapy:

  - Even the normal cells can be destroyed
• Surface destruction results in freedom of the cells to move wherever they wish to for invasion of surrounding tissues