Which type of tumors often spread rapidly and are more life-threatening?

Malignant tumors are characterized by their ability to invade surrounding tissues and spread to distant parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, a process known as metastasis. This invasive nature is what makes malignant tumors particularly dangerous and life-threatening. They can cause significant disruption of normal bodily functions not only in the organ where they originated but also in other organs where they may spread.

In contrast, benign tumors generally grow more slowly, do not invade nearby tissues, and are typically not life-threatening. Non-invasive tumors do not penetrate the surrounding tissues, and localized tumors remain confined to their site of origin without spreading. Both of these types are considered less aggressive and not associated with the rapid spread that characterizes malignant tumors. This distinction highlights why malignant tumors are recognized as more serious and often necessitate more aggressive treatment approaches.