What does the term "malignant" imply about a tumor?

The term "malignant" when describing a tumor indicates that it has the potential to invade nearby tissues and metastasize, meaning it can spread to distant parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. This characteristic is a key differentiator between malignant tumors and benign tumors. Malignant tumors typically exhibit uncontrolled growth, can disrupt normal tissue function, and are often associated with poorer prognoses due to their aggressive nature.

In contrast to malignant tumors, benign tumors are characterized by their non-invasive growth patterns and often remain encapsulated and localized. They do not have the ability to spread to other areas of the body. Additionally, benign tumors typically resemble normal tissue closely, whereas malignant tumors often exhibit significant histological differences from the original tissue, making them more aggressive and less organized in structure. Thus, the defining aspect of malignancy is its capacity for invasion and metastasis, which underscores the importance of appropriate diagnosis and treatment strategies in clinical practice.