Which of the following is a characteristic of malignant tumors?

They exhibit uncontrolled growth and invasion.

The correct answer is (3) They exhibit uncontrolled growth and invasion.

(1) They remain confined to their original location: This statement is not true for malignant tumors. Unlike benign tumors, which are localized and do not spread, malignant tumors have the ability to invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body through metastasis.

(2) They do not cause damage to surrounding tissues: This statement is also not true for malignant tumors. Malignant tumors grow aggressively and invade nearby tissues, causing damage and destruction of surrounding healthy tissues.

(3) They exhibit uncontrolled growth and invasion: This statement is correct. Malignant tumors are characterized by uncontrolled growth and invasion into surrounding tissues. Unlike benign tumors, which remain localized and do not spread to other parts of the body, malignant tumors have the ability to invade nearby tissues and spread to distant sites through a process called metastasis. This uncontrolled growth and invasion can cause damage to surrounding tissues and organs, leading to further complications and health problems. Malignant tumors are considered more dangerous and require prompt medical intervention for diagnosis, treatment, and management.

(4) They do not have the ability to metastasize: This statement is incorrect. Metastasis is a hallmark feature of malignant tumors. It refers to the spread of cancer cells from the primary tumor to distant sites in the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. This ability to metastasize makes malignant tumors more aggressive and challenging to treat.

In summary, the correct characteristic of malignant tumors is that they exhibit uncontrolled growth and invasion into surrounding tissues, and they have the ability to metastasize to other parts of the body.