Final answer:
Benign tumors do not invade surrounding tissues, unlike malignant tumors which can invade and damage neighboring tissues and metastasize.
Step-by-step explanation:
Benign tumors do not invade the basement membrane of surrounding tissues; this is a characteristic of malignant tumors. Benign tumors remain localized to their original site and do not have the capability to invade other tissues or form metastases. In contrast, malignant tumors are harmful because they invade and damage neighboring tissues and may even spread to different parts of the body, a process called metastasis. Benign tumors can still be surgically removed if they cause discomfort or have the potential to become malignant.