Which characteristic describes a benign tumor?

• A. It is invasive and metastasizes
• B. It shows high anaplasia
• C. It remains localized with lesser degree of anaplasia
• D. It is always malignant

Answer: (C)

Benign tumors grow as localized, well-differentiated masses that typically stay where they arise and do not invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant sites. They are often encapsulated and resemble the normal tissue of origin, showing only a small degree of cellular abnormality (anaplasia). This combination—remaining localized with a lesser degree of anaplasia—best fits the description of a benign tumor.

Describing a tumor as invasive and capable of metastasis, or as showing high anaplasia, points to malignancy, not a benign tumor. Saying it is always malignant is incorrect, since benign tumors are not malignant by definition.