What feature distinguishes benign cells from malignant cells?

Benign cells are characterized by having well-defined borders, which is a key feature that distinguishes them from malignant cells. This means that benign tumors are typically encapsulated, allowing them to remain localized and not invade surrounding tissues. This encapsulation is a result of the orderly growth patterns in benign tumors, contributing to their less aggressive nature compared to malignant tumors, which tend to infiltrate and spread to various areas in the body.

In contrast, malignant cells often display characteristics such as poor differentiation, rapid growth, and the ability to migrate to other tissues, which can lead to metastasis. Malignant tumors may present with poorly defined borders, indicating their invasive nature. These characteristics make it crucial for healthcare providers to differentiate between benign and malignant conditions, as they dictate treatment approaches and prognosis.