What gross descriptors typically characterize malignant lesions?

Malignant lesions are typically characterized by poorly demarcated and invasive growth patterns. This means that unlike benign tumors, which tend to have clear borders and may not infiltrate surrounding tissues, malignant tumors often spread beyond their original site and invade adjacent structures. Such invasive behavior indicates a more aggressive nature and higher potential for metastasis, contributing to the overall concern regarding cancer progression.

Additionally, poorly demarcated lesions can make surgical removal challenging, as surrounding tissue may also harbor cancer cells, increasing the risk of recurrence after treatment. Recognizing these gross descriptors is essential in clinical practice to guide diagnosis, surgical planning, and treatment strategies. The characteristics of malignancy, including invasive growth and indistinct margins, fundamentally shift the approach compared to benign lesions, which can often be treated more straightforwardly due to their well-defined borders.