Malignancy facts for kids

Malignancy is a medical term. It means that a health problem is likely to get worse over time. The word is most often used to describe cancer.

When doctors talk about a malignant tumor, they mean it is cancerous. This is different from a benign tumor, which is not cancerous. A malignant tumor can grow without stopping. It can also spread into nearby body parts. Sometimes, it can even travel to distant parts of the body. A benign tumor does not do these things. However, even a benign tumor can sometimes cause health problems. The word benign generally means a condition or growth that is not dangerous or serious. It will not spread to other parts of the body.

What is a Malignant Tumor?

A malignant tumor is made of cells that have changed. These cells grow in an uncontrolled way. They do not follow the body's normal rules for growth. They can also invade, or push into, healthy tissues around them.

How Malignant Tumors Spread

One of the main features of malignant tumors is their ability to spread. This process is called metastasis. Cancer cells can break away from the original tumor. They can then travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. This lets them form new tumors in other parts of the body. This is why cancer can be so serious.

Why Malignant Cells are Different

Cancer cells are often unstable. This means their genetic material, called DNA, has many changes. These changes can make the cells act strangely. They might grow too fast or not die when they should. This uncontrolled growth is a key sign of malignancy.

How Doctors Find Malignant Tumors

Doctors can find tumors in different ways. Sometimes, a person might feel a lump on their body. If there is no lump, doctors might use special tests. These tests include a mammogram or an MRI scan. These scans can show if a tumor is present inside the body.

Diagnosing Malignancy with a Biopsy

If a tumor is found, the next step is usually a biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure where doctors take a small sample of the tumor tissue. This sample is then looked at under a microscope in a lab. Experts can tell if the tumor is malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous) from this sample. This step is very important for deciding the best treatment.

Treating Malignant Tumors

If a tumor is found to be malignant, treatment is needed. Getting treatment early is often the most effective way to fight cancer. There are several ways doctors treat malignant tumors.

Common Treatments for Cancer

• Surgery: Doctors can remove the tumor with an operation. This is often done when the tumor is in one place.
• Chemotherapy: This uses strong medicines to kill cancer cells. These medicines can be given through a vein or as pills.
• Radiation therapy: This uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. It can target specific areas of the body.
• Hyperthermia: This treatment uses heat to damage and kill cancer cells.

Doctors will choose the best treatment plan for each person. This depends on the type of cancer and how far it has spread.

See also

In Spanish: Malignidad para niños

• Precancerous condition