Word
malignancy
Phoneticsma·lig·nan·cy, stress on the second syllable
US/məˈɫɪɡnənsi/
UK/məlˈɪɡnənsi/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a dangerous growth in the body that keeps growing and can spread to other parts, like cancer.
n. a cancerous growth or tumour that invades nearby tissue and may spread to other parts of the body. Contrasted with benign growths, which remain contained and do not spread.
Examples
“The doctor removes the small malignancy from her skin.”
“After the biopsy, the surgeon explains that the malignancy has not spread beyond the lung.”
“The pathologist noted that the malignancy, though small, showed aggressive features that required prompt treatment and close follow-up.”
Examples
simple
“The doctor removes the small malignancy from her skin.”
contextual
“After the biopsy, the surgeon explains that the malignancy has not spread beyond the lung.”
complex
“The pathologist noted that the malignancy, though small, showed aggressive features that required prompt treatment and close follow-up.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “malignancy” in context.
Verb
01. confirm malignancy
“The biopsy results will confirm malignancy within a few days.”
verb + noun
02. detect malignancy
“Routine blood tests can sometimes detect malignancy before symptoms appear.”
verb + noun
03. diagnose malignancy
“It took several biopsies to accurately diagnose the malignancy.”
verb + noun
04. die from malignancy
“Her grandfather died from an undiagnosed malignancy at the age of sixty.”
verb + prep + noun
05. exclude malignancy
“The consultant ordered a CT scan to exclude malignancy as the cause of pain.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. advanced malignancy
“The scan revealed advanced malignancy that had spread to nearby lymph nodes.”
adj + noun
07. aggressive malignancy
“Doctors described it as an aggressive malignancy requiring immediate chemotherapy.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. evidence of malignancy
“The pathologist found no evidence of malignancy in the tissue samples.”
noun + prep + noun
09. history of malignancy
“Patients with a history of malignancy need regular long-term follow-up.”
noun + prep + noun
10. at high risk of malignancy
“Heavy smokers are considered at high risk of malignancy and need screening.”
11. confirm suspected malignancy
“An MRI scan was requested to confirm suspected malignancy in the bowel.”
12. history of previous malignancy
“She disclosed a history of previous malignancy during the consultation.”
Real-World Examples
“Their dysregulation is a defining feature of many malignancies, making them important but highly complex therapeutic targets.” Etymology
From malignant + -cy or malign + -ancy or Latin malignantia.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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