Malignant

Malignant (from Latin male 'badly', and -gnus 'born') is the tendency of a medical condition to become progressively worse.

Malignancy stands as one of the most formidable terms in the realm of medical science, primarily associated with the ominous diagnosis of cancer. However, the term's utility is not confined strictly to oncology; it plays a role in the naming and characterization of several other severe conditions. This article delves deeper into the core meaning of malignancy, its association with cancer, and its other significant usages in medical diagnoses.

Histopathology of squamous cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder

Malignancy and Cancer[edit | edit source]

At its heart, the term malignancy signifies aggressive and uncontrolled growth. In the context of oncology, it differentiates a malignant tumor from a non-cancerous benign tumor. Here are the chief distinctions:

Growth Limitation: Unlike benign tumors, malignant tumors are not self-limited in their growth.
Invasiveness: Malignant tumors can invade adjacent tissues.
Metastasis: They might spread to distant tissues.

Characteristics of Malignant Tumors[edit | edit source]

Malignant tumors exhibit several unique traits:

Anaplasia: The loss of differentiation in cells, which makes them look more primitive.
Genome onstability: This results in a large number of mutations in their genomes, often between 10,000 and 100,000 mutations as revealed by whole genome sequencing.
Tumor ueterogeneity: Malignant tumors contain multiple subclones, indicating a diversity of cell types within the tumor.
Reduced DNA Repair Capability: Many malignant tumors have decreased expression of DNA repair enzymes, either due to epigenetic methylation of DNA repair genes or altered microRNAs affecting DNA repair gene expression.

Terms in Oncology Associated with Malignancy[edit | edit source]

The concept of malignancy is intertwined with various terms in oncology:

Malignancy, malignant neoplasm, and malignant tumor are all synonymous with cancer.
Malignant ascites refers to the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity due to cancer.
Malignant transformation is the process by which cells acquire the properties of cancer.

Malignancy Outside Oncology[edit | edit source]

The term malignant is also employed in medicine to describe conditions that are severe and rapidly progressing, even if they are not related to cancer. Some non-oncologic conditions termed as "malignant" include:

Malignant hypertension: A severe form of high blood pressure that rapidly progresses.
Malignant hyperthermia: A reaction to specific drugs used during general anesthesia.
Malignant otitis externa: A severe infection of the outer ear and surrounding bone.
Malignant tertian malaria: This specific type of malaria is caused by Plasmodium falciparum and is known for its severe nature.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: A life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic drugs.

Summary[edit | edit source]

The term malignancy stands as a testament to the intricate vocabulary of the medical world. While it's primarily associated with cancer, its application across various conditions underscores its importance in signifying severity and rapid progression.

Malignant Resources
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