Which statement is true regarding malignant tumors?

Malignant tumors are characterized as cancerous growths that have the potential to invade nearby tissues and organs and can spread to distant sites in the body through a process known as metastasis. This ability to metastasize is a defining feature that differentiates malignant tumors from benign tumors, which do not invade surrounding tissues or spread.

The statement highlights the aggressive nature of malignant tumors, which not only grow unregulated but also have the potential to establish secondary tumors in other parts of the body, significantly impacting the patient's health and treatment options. Understanding this characteristic is crucial for both diagnosis and planning appropriate treatment strategies for individuals with cancer. This underscores the seriousness of malignant tumors in oncology and the importance of early detection and intervention.