What term indicates the tumor has not invaded any adjacent cells?

The term that indicates the tumor has not invaded any adjacent cells is "benign." Benign tumors are characterized by their non-invasive nature, meaning they do not penetrate surrounding tissues and structures. These tumors typically grow slowly and have well-defined borders, which makes them distinct from malignant tumors, which can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body through metastasis.

Understanding the nature of benign tumors is crucial in medical coding, as it affects diagnosis and treatment options. For example, a benign tumor may require monitoring or surgical removal, but it is generally not associated with the aggressive characteristics seen in malignant tumors. The non-invasive nature of benign tumors also implies a better prognosis for patients compared to those with malignant tumors.

Other terms mentioned have different meanings; malignant refers to tumors that invade and damage surrounding tissues, neoplastic relates to the formation of new and abnormal growths, and invasive specifically describes tumors that have begun to spread into surrounding tissues. Recognizing these differences is key in the context of tumor classification in medical coding.