Cancer Biology 101 questions
2025-2026(updated & already
graded A+)
What are the differences between a benign and malignant
tumor? - answer Benign: slow growth, differentiated, well-
defined capsule, not invasive, low mitotic index, no
metastasis
Malignant: rapid growth, not differentiated, not
encapsulated, invasive, high mitotic index, wide
metastasis
Carcinoma vs. Sarcoma - answer Carcinoma: malignant
epithelial tumors
Sarcoma: malignant connective tissue tumors
Carcinoma in situ (CIS) - answer Pre-invasive malignant
epithelial tissues arising from the epithelium or glandular
tissue that has NOT yet spread through the basement
membrane or surrounding tissue
Cancer cells - answer They're an independent entity,
normal cell control mechanisms no longer apply to
malignant cells
, Cancer stem cells - answer Self renew like normal stem
cells via cell divisions. They are multipotent (differentiate
into multiple different cell types)
What makes cancer cells immortal? - answer Typically only
germ cells and stem cells are immortal. Most cells have a
limited # of divisions before death. Cancer cells secrete
telomerase which allows repair and continued division of
telomeres. (Normal cells stop dividing because telomeres
disappear)
What are tumor markers? - answer Biological markers are
substances produced by cancer cells or that are found on
plasma cell membranes, in the blood, CSF, or urine
What are some general examples of biological markers? -
answer Hormones, enzymes, genes, antigens, antibodies.
Basically anything to help with identification
What are tumor markers used for? - answer 1. screen and
identify individuals at risk for cancer
2. diagnose specific types of tumors
3. observe clinical course of cancer
Why is cancer primarily considered a disease of aging? -
answer With increasing age, greater chance of undergoing
series of mutations allowing for development of a
malignant process
2025-2026(updated & already
graded A+)
What are the differences between a benign and malignant
tumor? - answer Benign: slow growth, differentiated, well-
defined capsule, not invasive, low mitotic index, no
metastasis
Malignant: rapid growth, not differentiated, not
encapsulated, invasive, high mitotic index, wide
metastasis
Carcinoma vs. Sarcoma - answer Carcinoma: malignant
epithelial tumors
Sarcoma: malignant connective tissue tumors
Carcinoma in situ (CIS) - answer Pre-invasive malignant
epithelial tissues arising from the epithelium or glandular
tissue that has NOT yet spread through the basement
membrane or surrounding tissue
Cancer cells - answer They're an independent entity,
normal cell control mechanisms no longer apply to
malignant cells
, Cancer stem cells - answer Self renew like normal stem
cells via cell divisions. They are multipotent (differentiate
into multiple different cell types)
What makes cancer cells immortal? - answer Typically only
germ cells and stem cells are immortal. Most cells have a
limited # of divisions before death. Cancer cells secrete
telomerase which allows repair and continued division of
telomeres. (Normal cells stop dividing because telomeres
disappear)
What are tumor markers? - answer Biological markers are
substances produced by cancer cells or that are found on
plasma cell membranes, in the blood, CSF, or urine
What are some general examples of biological markers? -
answer Hormones, enzymes, genes, antigens, antibodies.
Basically anything to help with identification
What are tumor markers used for? - answer 1. screen and
identify individuals at risk for cancer
2. diagnose specific types of tumors
3. observe clinical course of cancer
Why is cancer primarily considered a disease of aging? -
answer With increasing age, greater chance of undergoing
series of mutations allowing for development of a
malignant process
