malígný

Malígný is a term that can refer to several distinct concepts, primarily in the context of pathology and oncology. In medicine, "malígný" is the Slovak word for malignant, which describes a condition that is cancerous and tends to invade surrounding tissues and spread to distant parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. This is in contrast to benign, which describes a growth that is not cancerous and does not spread.

The term malignant is most frequently used when discussing tumors. A malignant tumor, or cancer, is characterized by its ability to proliferate uncontrollably and destroy healthy tissue. Cells within a malignant tumor often exhibit abnormal morphology and genetic mutations, contributing to their aggressive behavior. Diagnosis and treatment of malignant conditions are critical aspects of medical care, often involving surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy.

Beyond its direct medical application, the concept of malignancy can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe something that is harmful, destructive, or poses a severe threat, though this usage is less common and not the primary definition. In its core medical meaning, "malígný" signifies a serious and potentially life-threatening disease process.