What term refers to an invasive and destructive characteristic of a neoplasm?

The term that refers to an invasive and destructive characteristic of a neoplasm is "malignant." Malignant neoplasms, often referred to as cancers, have the ability to grow uncontrollably and invade surrounding tissues. This characteristic distinguishes them from benign tumors, which do not invade nearby tissues and are typically contained.

Malignant tumors can also metastasize, meaning they can spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, leading to the potential development of secondary tumors. This aggressive behavior is a significant concern in medical diagnosis and treatment, as it can affect patient prognosis and treatment options.

In contrast, benign tumors (the first choice) are non-invasive and localized, meaning they do not spread to other areas, while the term non-invasive refers specifically to tumors that do not penetrate surrounding tissues at all. The term carcinogenic relates to substances or factors that can cause cancer but does not describe the characteristics of the neoplasm itself. Therefore, malignant is the appropriate term for an invasive and destructive neoplasm.