Benign vs Malignant: What’s the Difference?
The difference at a glance
Benign describes a growth or condition that is harmless and will not spread to other parts of the body. Malignant refers to dangerous, cancerous cells that have the ability to invade surrounding tissues.
Example sentences are illustrative learning examples, not verified quotations.
What does Benign mean?
adjective · /bɪˈnaɪn/
In medicine, describing a tumor or condition that is not malignant — not threatening life or likely to spread. More broadly, gentle, kindly, or not harmful in nature.
Explore BenignBenign in a sentence
The biopsy results showed a benign mass — two weeks of terror ending in two words from the pathologist.
She had lived with the growth for years before having it checked — the benign diagnosis felt like forgiveness.
What does Malignant mean?
adjective · /məˈlɪɡ.nənt/
In medicine, describing a tumor or condition that is cancerous — capable of spreading (metastasizing) to other parts of the body and potentially fatal. More broadly, evil or dangerous in nature.
Explore MalignantMalignant in a sentence
The second opinion confirmed the first: malignant, invasive, and requiring immediate treatment.
Malignant narcissism is the clinical term for a personality pattern combining narcissism, antisocial behavior, and aggression.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Benign and Malignant?
Benign describes a growth or condition that is harmless and will not spread to other parts of the body. Malignant refers to dangerous, cancerous cells that have the ability to invade surrounding tissues.
What does Benign mean?
In medicine, describing a tumor or condition that is not malignant — not threatening life or likely to spread. More broadly, gentle, kindly, or not harmful in nature.
What does Malignant mean?
In medicine, describing a tumor or condition that is cancerous — capable of spreading (metastasizing) to other parts of the body and potentially fatal. More broadly, evil or dangerous in nature.