Malignancy

A neoplastic process characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of transformed cells with the capacity for local invasion, destruction of adjacent tissues, and metastatic dissemination, typically associated with progressive clinical course and potential lethality if untreated. Common riskfactors include age, lifestyle (tobacco, alcohol, obesity, unhealthy diet, inadequate physical activity), radiation (UV, radon), chemicals (asbestos, benzene, heavy air pollution), infections (HPV, EBV, Hepatitis B and C), and rarely inherited genetic mutations.