What is the definition of "benign" in medical terms?

In medical terminology, "benign" refers primarily to a non-cancerous growth or tumor that does not invade nearby tissues or metastasize to distant sites in the body. While benign tumors are generally considered less serious than malignant tumors, they can still cause problems depending on their size or location, such as obstruction of organs or pressure on surrounding structures. The option that describes a non-cancerous tumor that can still be harmful accurately captures this aspect of benign conditions.

A benign tumor can have implications for a person's health, which is why understanding the nuance that benign does not equate to entirely harmless is essential. It's also important to note that benign conditions can sometimes have symptoms or complications that might require monitoring or treatment, reinforcing that not all benign conditions are without risks.