Which statement best describes a benign lesion?

Which statement best describes a benign lesion?

• A. Invades surrounding tissue
• B. Has high mitotic rate
• C. Shows lesser degree of anaplasia than malignant
• D. Metastasizes early

Answer: (C)

Benign lesions are typically well differentiated and grow locally without invading surrounding tissues or spreading to distant sites. Because they maintain tissue architecture closer to normal, they show a lesser degree of anaplasia compared with malignant tumors. Anaplasia refers to loss of differentiation and cellular abnormalities that accompany cancer progression, so less anaplasia aligns with a benign process. The other statements describe malignant behavior—invading adjacent tissues, high mitotic activity, and the ability to metastasize—rather than features of a benign lesion.

Benign lesions are typically well differentiated and grow locally without invading surrounding tissues or spreading to distant sites. Because they maintain tissue architecture closer to normal, they show a lesser degree of anaplasia compared with malignant tumors. Anaplasia refers to loss of differentiation and cellular abnormalities that accompany cancer progression, so less anaplasia aligns with a benign process. The other statements describe malignant behavior—invading adjacent tissues, high mitotic activity, and the ability to metastasize—rather than features of a benign lesion.