Malignancy Encyclopedia Article

Malignancy

The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.

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The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.

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Malignancy

A cancerous tumor.

A malignant tumor—in contrast to a benign tumor—is one that spreads throughout the tissues or organ in which it originates and expands to other parts of the body as well (metastasizes). A malignant tumor is usually life-threatening, causing death if it remains untreated. If treated, the spread of a malignant tumor may be slowed or even arrested. Depending on the amount of tissue damage prior to treatment, tissue or organ function may be compromised.

See Also

Biopsy; Cancerand; Tumor.