"Benign" refers to a condition, tumor, or growth that is not
cancerous. This means that it does not spread to other parts of
the body. It does not change or destroy nearby tissue.
Sometimes, a condition is called benign to suggest it is not
dangerous or serious. In general, a benign tumor grows slowly
and is not harmful. However, this is not always the case. A
benign tumor may grow big enough or be found near blood vessels,
the brain, nerves, or organs. As a result, it can cause problems
without spreading to another part of the body. Sometimes, these
problems can be serious. The opposite of benign is malignant.
Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine,
Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University
of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M.
Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD,
MHA, David R. Eltz, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang. The
information provided herein should not be used during any
medical emergency or for the diagnosis or