Which of the following is a characteristic of malignant tumors?

Malignant tumors are characterized by invasive growth patterns, which is a defining feature that distinguishes them from benign tumors. This means that malignant tumors can infiltrate and destroy surrounding tissues, making them more aggressive and challenging to treat. This invasive behavior allows them to spread to adjacent organs and tissues and can lead to metastasis, where cancer cells migrate to distant sites in the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

In contrast, benign tumors typically exhibit well-defined borders and are often encapsulated, meaning they are more localized and do not invade adjacent tissues. They usually consist of cells that appear more uniform in morphology, unlike the atypical cells seen in malignant tumors, which often display significant variation in size, shape, and organization. These characteristics contribute to the understanding of tumor behavior and the importance of early detection and treatment in managing malignant neoplasms.