# malignancy

/məˈɫɪɡnənsi/ (US) · /məlˈɪɡnənsi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/malignancy
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

a dangerous growth in the body that keeps growing and can spread to other parts, like cancer.

For teachers: 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.

## Synonyms

Cancer

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