PATH 1000 CANCER` EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
What are characteristics of the single 'wayward' cell?
Uncontrolled cell proliferation and 'retro-differentiation' (increasingly undifferentiated);
cells change in number, appearance, and behavior
How does cancer arise?
Accumulation of genetic mutations and aberrant epigenetic modifications leading to the
acquisition of new phenotypic traits
What is the main driver of cell proliferation?
Hormones
Which tumor type constitutes the highest percentage of tumors?
Epithelial (~85%)
Which types of cancer are most common among males and females?
Prostate and breast
Which cancers tend to be the most lethal among males and females?
Lung & bronchus, colorectal cancer
How can cancer risk be reduced?
Lifestyle risks: tobacco avoidance, good diet, exercise
, Why is cancer a disease of aging?
Accumulation of genetic changes throughout life that contribute to changes in cell
behavior, size, and appearance
Why have humans never evolved the genetic mechanisms to control cancer?
Cancer most commonly occurs past reproductive age = no time to develop molecular
controls and thereby pass these down to progeny
Describe the characteristics of benign tumors.
1. Well circumscribed; surrounded by connective tissue in a capsule
2. Slow growth but can be life-threatening if impinging on critical tissues/structures
3. No metastasis
4. Curable by surgical excision
Describe the characteristics of malignant tumors.
1. Not well-circumscribed; no limiting capsule
2. Rapid growth
3. Metastasis; can "anchor" to different structures, breaking connective tissues and
basement membranes
4. Limited treatment options especially after metastasis, secondary tumors
What is metastasis?
COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
What are characteristics of the single 'wayward' cell?
Uncontrolled cell proliferation and 'retro-differentiation' (increasingly undifferentiated);
cells change in number, appearance, and behavior
How does cancer arise?
Accumulation of genetic mutations and aberrant epigenetic modifications leading to the
acquisition of new phenotypic traits
What is the main driver of cell proliferation?
Hormones
Which tumor type constitutes the highest percentage of tumors?
Epithelial (~85%)
Which types of cancer are most common among males and females?
Prostate and breast
Which cancers tend to be the most lethal among males and females?
Lung & bronchus, colorectal cancer
How can cancer risk be reduced?
Lifestyle risks: tobacco avoidance, good diet, exercise
, Why is cancer a disease of aging?
Accumulation of genetic changes throughout life that contribute to changes in cell
behavior, size, and appearance
Why have humans never evolved the genetic mechanisms to control cancer?
Cancer most commonly occurs past reproductive age = no time to develop molecular
controls and thereby pass these down to progeny
Describe the characteristics of benign tumors.
1. Well circumscribed; surrounded by connective tissue in a capsule
2. Slow growth but can be life-threatening if impinging on critical tissues/structures
3. No metastasis
4. Curable by surgical excision
Describe the characteristics of malignant tumors.
1. Not well-circumscribed; no limiting capsule
2. Rapid growth
3. Metastasis; can "anchor" to different structures, breaking connective tissues and
basement membranes
4. Limited treatment options especially after metastasis, secondary tumors
What is metastasis?
