That which has a tendency to become worse. A tumour that destroys tissue in which it originates and tends to spread to another site. See: CANCER.
A condition that tends to become progressively worse and to result in death.
The term is primarily used to refer to a cancerous tumour that spreads from its original location to form secondary tumours in other parts of the body.
Ability of cancer to invade local tissue and to spread to distant sites in the body.
A term applied in several ways to serious disorders. A TUMOUR is called malignant when it grows rapidly, tending to in?ltrate surrounding healthy tissues and to spread to distant parts of the body, leading eventually to death (see CANCER). The term is also applied to types of disease which are much more serious than the usual form – for example, MALIGNANT HYPERTENSION. Malignant pustule is another name for ANTHRAX.
Threatening life or tending to cause death
adj. 1. describing a tumour that invades and destroys the tissue in which it originates and has the potential to spread to other sites in the body via the bloodstream and lymphatic system. See cancer; metastasis. 2. describing any disorder that becomes life-threatening if untreated (e.g. *malignant hypertension). Compare benign.
This disorder is a rare complication of general ANAESTHESIA caused, it is believed, by a combination of an inhalation anaesthetic (usually HALOTHANE) and a muscle-relaxant drug (usually succinycholine). A life-endangering rise in temperature occurs, with muscular rigidity the ?rst sign. TACHYCARDIA, ACIDOSIS and SHOCK usually ensue. About 1:20,000 patients having general anaesthesia suffer from this disorder, which progresses rapidly and is often fatal. Surgery and anaesthesia must be stopped immediately and appropriate corrective measures taken, including the intravenous administration of DANTROLENE. It is a dominantly inherited genetic condition; therefore, when a case is identi?ed it is most important that relatives are screened.... malignant hyperthermia
A rapid rise in body temperature to a dangerously high level, brought on by general anaesthesia. The condition is rare. In most cases, susceptibility is inherited; people suffering from certain muscle disorders may also be at risk. The patient’s body temperature rises soon after the anaesthetic is given. Emergency treatment and intensive care are needed.... hyperthermia, malignant
a life-threatening syndrome seen after starting *antipsychotic medication. It is characterized by confusion, muscle rigidity, fever, pallor and sweating, urinary incontinence, and a high level of *creatine kinase. Its symptoms can appear similar to *catatonia. Treatment in a high-dependency unit with high-dose benzodiazepines and immediate cessation of antipsychotic drugs is usually indicated.... neuroleptic malignant syndrome
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