NEWS Health News Word of the Week: Malignant By Verywell Health Editors Updated on November 02, 2021 Fact checked Verywell Health content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Nick Blackmer Fact checked by Nick Blackmer LinkedIn Nick Blackmer is a librarian, fact-checker, and researcher with more than 20 years’ experience in consumer-oriented health and wellness content. Learn about our editorial process Share Tweet Email Print Alex Dos Diaz / Verywell Each week, Verywell explains a term from health, medicine, science, or technology. Malignant How to say it: Malignant (mah-LIG-nant) What it means: Causing death or a condition that is likely to get worse. Where it comes from: From Latin, malignans, "bad, evil, injurious." Jensflorian/Wiki Commons Where you might see or hear it: Doctors most often use the term malignant when they are talking about cancer. A cancerous tumor is sometimes called a malignancy. The term can also be used to describe a condition that has gotten worse or will get worse—for example, a serious type of ear infection is malignant otitis externa. When you might want to use it: If you have a tumor and are trying to explain your diagnosis to your family and friends, you can tell them that "malignant" means the tumor is cancerous. If it was not cancer, it would be called benign. Malignant vs. Benign Tumors Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit