Week 1-Neoplasms

A nurse is reviewing a pathology report. The report notes "cells with large nuclei, varying sizes and shapes, and increased mitotic activity." Which cellular adaptation is this most consistent with?

• Atrophy

• Hypertrophy

• Dysplasia

• Hyperplasia

A patient presents with a rapidly enlarging mass in the liver. Imaging reveals central necrosis due to inadequate blood supply. What does this finding best indicate?

• Benign tumor

• Malignant tumor

• Hyperplasia

• Dysplasia

A patient asks why his oncologist ordered a biopsy instead of relying on blood tests. What is the best explanation?

• Blood tests are more accurate

• Only direct examination of tumor cells is definitive for malignancy

• Biopsies are less invasive

• Tumor markers confirm all cancer types

Which patient symptom most strongly warrants immediate cancer investigation?

• Mild fatigue relieved by rest

• Occasional headache

• A sore that does not heal for 6 weeks

• Joint pain after activity

A patient undergoing chemotherapy develops persistent weight loss and severe weakness. Which systemic effect of tumors does this represent?

• Cachexia

• Anemia

• Thrombocytopenia

• Leukopenia

During teaching, a nurse explains that prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is considered which type of diagnostic tool?

• Radiologic test

• Tumor marker

• Genetic test

• Biopsy

A patient with cervical dysplasia from HPV infection is concerned about cancer risk. Which stage of carcinogenesis does this represent?

• A. Initiation

• B. Promotion

• C. Progression

• D. Metastasis

A client exposed to asbestos at work develops lung cancer. Which carcinogen is responsible?

• Biological

• Chemical/environmental

• Hormonal

• Genetic

A tumor spreads along the peritoneal cavity, as seen in ovarian cancer. Which process best explains this?

• A. Invasion

• B. Metastasis

• C. Seeding

• D. Angiogenesis

A 75-year-old patient is diagnosed with colon cancer. Which factor most likely contributed to his increased risk?

• Childhood infection

• Age-related cellular changes and free radical damage

• High protein diet in youth only

• Short-term viral exposure