Malignant tumors vary in size and shape. They grow in an uncontrolled, abnormal way and can grow into (invade) nearby tissues, blood vessels or lymphatic vessels. They can interfere with body functions and become life-threatening.
Cancer cells can break off and spread to distant locations in the body (metastasize). Cancer that spreads from its original location (the primary tumor) to a new part of the body is called metastatic cancer. Malignant tumors can also come back (recur) after they are removed.
Other types of tumor
With other types of cancer, these black and white explanations of benign and malignant often work well. But with brain tumors, there are a lot of grey areas. Some low grade astrocytomas can spread to other parts of the brain or spinal cord. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are sometimes used to treat benign tumors. Even a slow growing tumor can cause serious symptoms and be life threatening if it is in an important part of the brain. So, it is important to ask your specialist to explain your own situation to you fully and simply.
Changing from benign to malignant
Some benign tumors can develop into a malignant tumor. It is called malignant transformation or progression to malignancy. For example a grade 2 tumor may change into a grade 3 tumor, and a grade 3 tumor into a grade 4.
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