What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
metastatic
Example
The patient's cancer had become metastatic, spreading to her liver and lungs. [metastatic: adjective]
Example
The oncologist explained that the cancer had metastasized to the lymph nodes. [metastasized: verb]
malignant
Example
The biopsy results confirmed that the tumor was malignant. [malignant: adjective]
Example
The doctor recommended surgery to remove the malignant cells before they spread. [malignant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Malignant is more commonly used than metastatic in everyday language, as it is a broader term that can be used to describe any cancerous growth. Metastatic is a more technical term that is typically used in medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between metastatic and malignant?
Both metastatic and malignant are formal terms that are primarily used in medical contexts. However, malignant may be used in more informal settings due to its wider usage and familiarity among the general public.
