Which type of tumor is characterized by slow growth and does not metastasize?

A benign tumor is characterized by slow growth and does not metastasize, which means it does not spread to other parts of the body. These tumors are generally encapsulated and can often be removed surgically without the significant risk of recurrence. They typically do not invade nearby tissues, and because they do not spread, they are usually less dangerous compared to malignant tumors.

In contrast, malignant tumors grow rapidly and have the ability to infiltrate surrounding tissues and metastasize, meaning they can spread to distant sites in the body. Carcinomas and sarcomas are both classifications of malignant tumors, with carcinomas arising from epithelial tissues and sarcomas originating from connective tissues. Therefore, benign tumors are one of the key distinctions in tumor classification, pointing to a growth pattern that is significantly different from malignant types.