What term describes malignant cells that move readily through lymph or blood?

The term that describes malignant cells capable of moving readily through lymph or blood is increased motility. This characteristic is crucial because it allows cancer cells to spread from their original tumor site to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis.

Malignant cells often undergo changes that enhance their motility; this enables them to invade surrounding tissues and enter the circulatory or lymphatic systems. Increased motility involves alterations in cell adhesion and motility mechanisms, which can lead to more aggressive tumor behavior and a higher potential for the development of secondary tumors elsewhere in the body.

In contrast, decreased motility would imply that the cells are less capable of movement, which would hinder their ability to metastasize. Stable motility suggests that the cells are not significantly more mobile than normal cells, while an immobile state would prevent them from spreading altogether. Thus, increased motility accurately reflects the aggressive nature of malignant cells and their ability to disseminate through the body.