How do benign and malignant tumor differ? 1. Benign tumors are harmless; malignant tumors are life-threatening.
2. Malignant tumors are painless; benign tumors cause pain when they invade or press on nerves.
3. Benign tumors are surrounded by a capsule; malignant tumors invade surrounding tissue.
4. Malignant tumors can usually be completely removed with surgery; benign tumors cannot.