Why is malignant melanoma cancer so dangerous?

Answer 1

By definition CANCER is MALIGNANT - benign is NOT cancer, it is just a growth (tumor).

There are three main characteristics typical of malignant (cancer) and benign (non-cancerous), for example:

• Malignant cancers are usually fast growing (as opposed to benign cancers which are usually slow growing);
• Malignant cancers invade the tissue, in fact the name cancer means "crab", because it invades the surrounding tissue and looks like a crab (benign cancers are usually encapsulated, therefore, do not invade the surrounding tissue);
• Malignant cancer cells are undifferentiated, which means that they regress back to simple cells and loose their main functions (benign cancer cells are usually well differentiated).

There are exceptions. For example, kidney cancer may look benign because it's usually encapsulated, but it is actually malignant.

Answer 2

A malignant tumor is cancer and if unchecked can spread to other organs and kill the person. A benign tumor can still kill, but it does not spread like cancer, whereas malignant tumors invade surrounding tissues and can also spread via someone's blood-stream or lympathetic system to form a secondary growth called a metastasis elsewhere in their body.

There are many different types of benign tumors arising from different structures in the body and benign tumors usually grow slowly and do not metastasize although they can sometimes be multiple. They tend to remain confined within a fibrous capsulr so if necessary surgical removal is usually relatively straightn forward.

But benign tumors anywhere in the body can sometimes be serious if they press on blood vessels or nerves. But in other cases doctors may decide someone's benign tumors may need no treatment other than observation to ensure they continue to cause no problems. Treatment of a benign tumor may be needed if their symptoms cause a problem. Then if surgery is deemed appropriate the goal is to remove the tumor without damaging surrounding tissues. Other types of treatment may include radiation or medication.

But in the brain a benign tumor can be as serious as a malignant brain tumor. Either can build up pressure in the brain and cause compression of adjoining brain areas as the tumor expands. So whether malignant ot benign, brain tumor may cause muscle weakness, loss of vision or other sensory disturbances, speech difficulties and in about 20% of cases epeliptic seizures. The presence of an expanding tumor may increase pressure within the skull causing headaches, vomiting, visual disturbance and impoairment of mental functioning.

Answer 3

Because it is located in the melanocytes which are located in the deepest layer of the epidermis. The epidermis itself is avascular, however, the dermis, which lies directly beneath the epidermis is very vascular. If malignant melanoma cells make their way to the dermis, they can easily spread to other parts of the body.

Answer 4

benign means cancerous cell which cannot expand & malignant means cancerous cell which get expand. malignant is dangerous than benign.