What is a common characteristic of benign tumors like hamartomas?

A common characteristic of benign tumors, such as hamartomas, is the presence of distinct borders. This characteristic is significant as it often indicates that the tumor is well-defined and localized, which is a typical trait of benign lesions. Benign tumors usually do not invade surrounding tissues in the same manner as malignant tumors do. Their distinct borders can often be observed in imaging studies, helping to differentiate them from more aggressive or malignant processes.

While other characteristics like spontaneous resolution can be true for some benign lesions, they are not universally applicable, making distinct borders a more consistent characteristic of benign tumors. Additionally, benign tumors usually have a low risk of malignancy and do not typically exhibit rapid growth, further distinguishing them from malignant tumors.