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Malignancy

The term malignancy refers to the presence of cancerous cells that have the ability to spread to other sites in the body (metastasize) or to invade nearby (locally) and destroy tissues. Malignant cells tend to have fast, uncontrolled growth and do not die normally due to changes in their genetic makeup.

Malignant cells that are resistant to treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, may return after all detectable traces of them have been removed or destroyed.

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References

National Cancer Institute website. NCI dictionary of cancer terms. www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/malignancy. Accessed August 28, 2024.

Park BH. Cancer biology and genetics. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 166.

Review Date: 8/21/2024

Reviewed By: Warren Brenner, MD, Oncologist, Lynn Cancer Institute, Boca Raton, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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