Which of the following describes a characteristic of benign tumors?

Benign tumors are characterized by their ability to grow but typically do not metastasize, meaning they do not spread to other parts of the body. This characteristic allows them to often be localized and encapsulated, which can sometimes make surgical removal more straightforward. Although benign tumors can sometimes grow to a significant size and may cause pressure effects on surrounding tissues, they are generally not associated with the life-threatening risks that malignant tumors entail.

Understanding this characteristic highlights the primary reasons why benign tumors are usually managed differently from malignant ones. For example, while they may need to be monitored or surgically removed, they do not often require the aggressive treatments typically reserved for cancers, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Their growth patterns and local effects are significant in distinguishing them from malignancies and guiding treatment decisions.