malignancy

noun

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ma·lig·nan·cy | \ mə-ˈlig-nən(t)-sē

plural malignancies

Definition of malignancy

1 : the quality or state of being malignant

2a : exhibition (as by a tumor) of malignant qualities : virulence

b : a malignant tumor

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More About malignancy

Examples of malignancy in a Sentence

the malignancy of the tumor The test revealed a malignancy in the patient's chest.

Recent Examples on the Web Then, there is the PTSD, radiation exposure, gravitational shifts and many injuries that increase his likelihood of accelerated bone loss and malignancy -- not to mention his chronic heart disease. — Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 13 Dec. 2021 Cancers start small, often deep in tissues, where the malignancy evades early detection. — Scientific American, 16 Nov. 2021 Rare, difficult to treat and exceedingly aggressive, the malignancy had already penetrated Eihab’s right eye socket. — Lynda Schuster, Washington Post, 13 Oct. 2021 Not all papilloma growths are cancerous, but Dr. Fisher says about 10 to 15% of them may harbor a malignancy or precancerous cells. — Ashley Abramson, Health.com, 5 Oct. 2021 Studies have shown that no more than .04% of mammograms reveal enlarged lymph nodes in women with no other sign of illness or malignancy. — Melissa Healy, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2021 But no one has taken that egocentricity and turned it into a malignancy like Ramona. — Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2021 The study says the device can diagnose brain tumors with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 97%, regardless of the size and malignancy of the tumors. — Chris Smith, BGR, 22 June 2021 But to the medical specialists who scour mammograms for signs of malignancy, the unexplained appearance of swollen lymph nodes has typically sparked concern and a recommendation that the patient be called back for further testing. — Melissa Healy, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'malignancy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.