Which term refers to a non-cancerous form of tumor?

The term that refers to a non-cancerous form of a tumor is "benign." Benign tumors are typically localized, meaning they do not invade surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body. They often grow slowly and may not cause significant health issues; in some cases, they can even be asymptomatic. Important factors distinguishing benign tumors include their well-defined borders and the fact that they generally maintain normal cells' appearance and function.

In contrast, malignant tumors are cancerous, meaning they have the potential to grow uncontrollably, invade nearby tissues, and metastasize to distant parts of the body. Adenoma is a type of benign tumor that originates from glandular tissue but does not encompass all benign tumors, as it is specific to a particular tissue type. The term "cancerous" distinctly indicates the presence of malignant cells that exhibit uncontrolled growth and aggressive behavior, further emphasizing the difference from benign tumors.