Understanding the difference between colorectal cancer and non-cancerous growths is really important for proper diagnosis and treatment. Here are some important signs to help tell them apart:

1. Cell Structure:

   • Cancers usually show more cells that are scattered in a messy way.
   • Non-cancerous growths, like adenomas, have a neat and organized structure.

2. Nucleus Appearance:

   • In cancer cells, the nuclei (the center of the cell) are often larger, darker, and have strange shapes.
   • Non-cancerous growths have smaller, uniform nuclei that look regular.

3. Cell Division:

   • A higher number of dividing cells is a sign of cancer. These cancer cells may divide in unusual ways too.
   • Non-cancerous growths usually have few or no dividing cells.

4. Surrounding Tissue:

   • Cancers can grow into nearby tissues, which indicates they are likely dangerous.
   • Non-cancerous growths usually keep a fibrous surrounding tissue without invading.

Keep in mind that looking at the cells under a microscope can be helped by special stains to make the diagnosis even clearer.