Yes, tumor cells can be bad. Whether or not they are considered "bad" often depends on whether they are benign or malignant.
Here's a breakdown:
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Benign Tumors: These tumors may push against other tissues, but according to the references, they do not invade them. While they can cause problems due to their size or location, they are generally not considered as dangerous as malignant tumors.
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Malignant Tumors: These tumors are considered "bad" because they are invasive. Cancer cells are invasive and can spread to other parts of the body. According to the references, a malignant tumor invades tissue and is capable of spreading throughout the body. This spread, called metastasis, can lead to serious health problems and is a defining characteristic of cancer.
In summary, here's a table showing the key differences:
| Feature | Benign Tumor | Malignant Tumor (Cancer) |
|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness | No invasion of surrounding tissue | Invades surrounding tissue |
| Spread | Does not spread | Can spread (metastasize) |
| Overall effect | Generally less harmful | Generally harmful |
