Clarification on the hallmark of malignancy

[cdmOMR]

---

Members don't see this ad.

So as I learned in path and from studyin for boards, metastasis is the most important characteristic of a malignant neoplasm. My question is... although I know mets is the answer they are looking for, wouldnt invasion be a better hallmark? For example, my mom was diagnosed with infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the breast... it had lymph node involvement but hasn't metastasized (thank god)...but it sure as heck isnt benign.

When they say metastasis are they meaning the potential to metastasize? Is there a lot of benign invasive neoplasms (if they even exist)? Or are they referring to the local invasion as metastasis?

Thanks

 

[IMPACT]

So as I learned in path and from studyin for boards, metastasis is the most important characteristic of a malignant neoplasm. My question is... although I know mets is the answer they are looking for, wouldnt invasion be a better hallmark? For example, my mom was diagnosed with infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the breast... it had lymph node involvement but hasn't metastasized (thank god)...but it sure as heck isnt benign.

When they say metastasis are they meaning the potential to metastasize? Is there a lot of benign invasive neoplasms (if they even exist)? Or are they referring to the local invasion as metastasis?

Thanks

First of all, I hope your mom gets better very soon.

Regarding your question,
Grossly, some capsulated tumors are benign/malignant, some have local infiltration and huge increases in size but all tumors that show mets are 100% malignant ...not all malignant tumors will metastasize but which ever does- is defintely malignant!!!

All Cancers have a unique way of expression, some may not metastasize but still will be malignant- for example Basal Cell Carcinoma which account for 90% of all skin tumors rarely metastasizes and compare that to malignant melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma-other types of skin cancers-which frequently have metastases to regional lymph nodes, same is the case for breast Ca.

 

[cdmOMR]

First of all, I hope your mom gets better very soon.

Regarding your question,
Grossly, some capsulated tumors are benign/malignant, some have local infiltration and huge increases in size but all tumors that show mets are 100% malignant ...not all malignant tumors will metastasize but which ever does- is defintely malignant!!!

All Cancers have a unique way of expression, some may not metastasize but still will be malignant- for example Basal Cell Carcinoma which account for 90% of all skin tumors rarely metastasizes and compare that to malignant melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma-other types of skin cancers-which frequently have metastases to regional lymph nodes, same is the case for breast Ca.

Makes sense, and I was also thinking of Basal cell CA as a possible example of an infiltrating carcinoma that really doesnt metastasize often... however, basal cell carcinoma is still considered malignant, no? Seems to be more of an exception rather than a rule. I think most neoplasms that invade will eventually spread given enough time (except for those oddballs like basal cell carcinoma)... its the irreversible step if you will. But what do i know... im just a dumb dental student.

And thank you for the good wishes... she'll be finishing up chemo in a few more weeks.