CTR Cancer Biology & Pathology 2

Question 1

Which of the following is a defining feature that distinguishes malignant tumors from benign tumors?

Accepted Answer

Capacity to invade and metastasize to distant sites

Answer

The hallmark of malignancy is the ability of tumor cells to invade surrounding tissue and spread (metastasize) to distant organs, which benign tumors cannot do.

Question 2

In ICD-O-3 coding, what does the morphology code represent?

Accepted Answer

The histologic cell type and behavior of the neoplasm

Answer

The ICD-O-3 morphology code is a 5-digit code combining a 4-digit histology code (describing cell type) with a 1-digit behavior code (e.g., /3 for malignant).

Question 3

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is defined by the absence of which three receptors or proteins?

Accepted Answer

Estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2

Answer

Triple-negative breast cancer lacks estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2 overexpression, making it ineligible for hormone therapy or HER2-targeted agents.

Question 4

The term 'anaplastic' when describing a tumor indicates:

Accepted Answer

Tumor cells lack differentiation and typically behave aggressively

Answer

Anaplastic tumors are characterized by a complete loss of differentiation, pleomorphic nuclei, and high mitotic activity, generally correlating with aggressive clinical behavior.

Question 5

Squamous cell carcinoma typically arises from which tissue type?

Accepted Answer

Stratified squamous epithelium

Answer

Squamous cell carcinoma originates from squamous epithelial cells and is commonly found in the skin, cervix, head and neck, esophagus, and lung.

(CTR) Certified Tumor Registrar Practice Test

(CTR) Certified Tumor Registrar Practice Test

CTR Cancer Biology & Pathology 2