What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
neoplastic
Example
The patient's neoplastic cells were found to be non-cancerous. [neoplastic: adjective]
Example
The doctor explained that neoplastic growths can be either benign or malignant. [neoplastic: noun]
malignant
Example
The biopsy revealed that the tumor was malignant and required immediate treatment. [malignant: adjective]
Example
The patient was diagnosed with a malignant form of cancer. [malignant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Malignant is a more commonly used term than neoplastic in everyday language, as it specifically refers to cancerous growths that are a serious health concern. Neoplastic is a less common term that is typically used in medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between neoplastic and malignant?
Both neoplastic and malignant are formal terms that are typically used in medical or scientific contexts. However, malignant may be considered more formal due to its association with serious health conditions and medical terminology.