National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

What defines a benign tumor?

1. It is life-threatening

2. It is a neoplasm

3. It causes metastasis

4. It requires chemotherapy

The correct answer is: It is a neoplasm

A benign tumor is defined as a neoplasm, which refers to a new and abnormal growth of tissue that results from uncontrolled cell division. Unlike malignant tumors, benign tumors are typically non-cancerous, meaning they do not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body (metastasize). This characteristic is crucial when distinguishing benign growths from more serious conditions. While benign tumors can still cause problems depending on their size and location (such as pressing on surrounding tissues), they are generally considered less dangerous than malignant tumors. They usually have well-defined boundaries and grow more slowly, and they are often removable through surgical intervention without significant risk of recurrence. Understanding this definition helps in recognizing the nature of different types of tumors and their potential impact on health.