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Benign
The opposite of benign is malignant. The terms "benign" and "malignant" are often used to describe tumors. Tumors are abnormal masses of tissue that form when cells in a certain area of the body reproduce at an increased rate. Unlike malignant tumors, benign tumors stay in a localized area of the body. Malignant tumors are cancerous whereas benign tumors are not. When samples of tumors are examined under the microscope, malignant tumors have many characteristics that help clearly tell them apart from benign tumors.
Cancer is an abnormal growth of new tissue characterized by uncontrolled growth of abnormally structured cells that have a more primitive form. When describing cancer, malignant means that the newly formed tissues are made of abnormally structured and primitive-looking cells that grow uncontrollably, spread throughout the body, and invade surrounding tissues. Benign comes from the Latin word "benignus" meaning "kind."
A term is used to describe medical conditions or diseases that are considered mild or not likely to spread. Even though benign conditions are not an immediate threat, treatment may be necessary for cosmetic or health reasons.
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