HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which term is defined as "not cancerous"?

1. Malignant

2. Benign

3. Carcinoma

4. Metastatic

The correct answer is: Benign

The term that is defined as "not cancerous" is indeed benign. This designation refers to tumors or growths that do not invade surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body, which distinguishes them from malignant tumors that are cancerous. Benign tumors are usually considered less harmful and often can be removed surgically without posing a significant risk to the patient. In contrast, malignant refers to cancerous growths that have the potential to invade and destroy nearby tissues, and can spread to distant sites in the body, leading to more serious health complications. Carcinoma specifically refers to a type of cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Metastatic describes the process through which cancer spreads from its original site to other parts of the body, marking a progression of the disease rather than a classification of a growth itself.