| Characteristic | Benign Tumour | Malignant Tumour |
|---|---|---|
| Growth rate | Slow, controlled | Rapid, uncontrolled |
| Capsule | Enclosed in a fibrous capsule | No capsule โ irregular, invasive edges |
| Cell appearance | Similar to normal cells | Abnormal, varied shapes |
| Spreading (local) | Stays in one location | Invades surrounding tissues |
| Metastasis (distant) | Does not spread to distant sites | Can spread through blood/lymph |
| Danger level | Usually low โ but can press on organs | High โ disrupts multiple organ systems |
| Treatment | Usually surgical removal | Complex: surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy |
| Prognosis | Generally good | Depends on stage and type |
This comparison covers Benign vs Malignant Tumours within Cancer and Cell Division Control for GCSE Biology. Cancer development, cell cycle control mechanisms, tumor formation, risk factors, prevention methods, and treatment approaches It is section 9 of 18 in this topic. Use this comparison to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for Cancer and Cell Division Control
In a healthy cell, cell division is controlled by:
Explain the difference between benign and malignant tumors.
Quick recall flashcards
What is cancer?
Cancer is a group of diseases involving uncontrolled cell division, where cells divide continuously without normal restrictions.
Name three environmental carcinogens.
Tobacco smoke, UV radiation from sunlight, and asbestos fibers. (Also accept: ionizing radiation, benzene, formaldehyde, etc.)