Are all tumours actually cancerous?
In short: Understand the fundamental biological distinction between benign and malignant growths, and learn how certain cells can invade the body and spread through the bloodstream.
This video clarifies the distinction between a tumour—an abnormal mass of cells—and cancer itself, which is the disease of uncontrolled cell growth and spread. It explores the mechanics of benign tumours, which are typically contained within a membrane and are not considered cancerous, versus malignant tumours, which can invade surrounding tissues and travel via the bloodstream to form secondary tumours.
The lesson also examines various risk factors, including lifestyle choices like smoking, obesity, alcohol consumption, and UV light exposure, alongside genetic predispositions such as inherited BRCA genes.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: GCSE Biology - Cancer | Benign & Malignant Tumours (2027/28 exams)
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