What term describes a cancerous condition?

The term that describes a cancerous condition is "malignant." In medical terminology, malignant tumors are characterized by their ability to invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. This malignancy indicates a more aggressive form of disease, which poses a significant health risk due to its potential for uncontrolled growth and metastasis.

In contrast, benign tumors, although they may grow and can cause complications, do not possess the same invasive properties and are not considered cancerous. Non-cancerous and harmless are terms that reflect a lack of malignancy or cancerous characteristics, reinforcing that "malignant" specifically denotes those conditions associated with cancer. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in the medical field, as they guide treatment decisions and inform patients about their health statuses.