Portage Pathophysiology Exam 2 Questions & Answers
2026 | High-Yield Review | Graded A+
1. What is the role of a tumor suppressor gene in cancer biology?
To regulate cell growth and prevent tumor formation
To enhance the immune response against tumors
To repair DNA damage in cancer cells
To promote cell division and tumor growth
2. In a scenario where a patient has been diagnosed with advanced cancer that
cannot be cured, which treatment goal would be prioritized?
Control
Cure
Prevention
Palliation
3. Describe the role of palpation in cancer screening and provide an example.
Palpation is a lab test that measures blood cell counts.
Palpation is a procedure to analyze tissue samples.
Palpation involves physically examining the body to detect
abnormalities, such as lumps, and an example is a breast exam.
Palpation is a method of imaging that uses X-rays.
4. Cell differentiation:
requires mitosis.
results in more specialized cells such as erythrocytes or muscle fibers.
, all of the above.
can only be done a certain number of times before there is no further
option to continue cell division.
is typically a process done by stem cells.
5. Describe how the growth patterns of benign and malignant tumors differ.
Both benign and malignant tumors grow at the same rate and invade
tissues.
Benign tumors grow rapidly and invade tissues, while malignant
tumors grow slowly and remain localized.
Benign tumors do not grow at all, while malignant tumors grow
rapidly.
Benign tumors grow slowly and remain localized, while malignant
tumors grow rapidly and can invade nearby tissues.
6. Describe how the properties of self-renewal and differentiation contribute to
the function of stem cells in cancer treatment.
Self-renewal and differentiation are processes exclusive to mature
cells, not stem cells.
Self-renewal leads to uncontrolled growth, while differentiation results
in tumor formation.
Self-renewal allows stem cells to maintain their population, while
differentiation enables them to develop into various cell types
needed for tissue repair.
Self-renewal is irrelevant to cancer, while differentiation only occurs in
benign tumors.
,7. What is the primary mechanism by which radiation therapy kills cancer cells?
By enhancing immune response
By damaging their DNA
By promoting cell division
By increasing blood flow
8. What is one example of a lab test used for cancer screening?
Mammogram
Blood pressure test
Skin inspection
Physical exam
9. Describe how angiogenesis contributes to cancer progression.
Angiogenesis prevents tumor cells from spreading.
Angiogenesis reduces the size of tumors by cutting off their blood
supply.
Angiogenesis is a process that only occurs in benign tumors.
Angiogenesis provides tumors with the necessary blood supply for
growth and metastasis.
10. Describe the significance of the three goals of cancer treatment in patient
care.
The goals of cancer treatment focus solely on eliminating the tumor.
The goals of cancer treatment are irrelevant to patient outcomes.
, The goals of cancer treatment—cure, control, and palliation—are
essential for tailoring therapy to individual patient needs and
improving quality of life.
The goals of cancer treatment are only applicable in advanced
stages of cancer.
11. Describe how metastasis to the bone can affect a patient's symptoms in small
cell lung cancer.
Metastasis to the bone can cause pain and discomfort in the
affected areas, as well as potential fractures.
Metastasis to the bone only affects the lungs.
Metastasis to the bone leads to increased appetite and energy levels.
Metastasis to the bone has no effect on symptoms.
12. What does the acronym TNM stand for in cancer staging?
Tumor, Nucleus, Metastasis
Tumor, Node, Metastasis
Tumor, Neoplasm, Malignancy
Tissue, Node, Metastasis
13. If a patient has elevated tumor markers in their blood test, what would be
the next appropriate step in the diagnostic process?
Rely solely on the blood test results.
Conduct a physical examination only.
Perform a tissue biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Immediately start cancer treatment.
2026 | High-Yield Review | Graded A+
1. What is the role of a tumor suppressor gene in cancer biology?
To regulate cell growth and prevent tumor formation
To enhance the immune response against tumors
To repair DNA damage in cancer cells
To promote cell division and tumor growth
2. In a scenario where a patient has been diagnosed with advanced cancer that
cannot be cured, which treatment goal would be prioritized?
Control
Cure
Prevention
Palliation
3. Describe the role of palpation in cancer screening and provide an example.
Palpation is a lab test that measures blood cell counts.
Palpation is a procedure to analyze tissue samples.
Palpation involves physically examining the body to detect
abnormalities, such as lumps, and an example is a breast exam.
Palpation is a method of imaging that uses X-rays.
4. Cell differentiation:
requires mitosis.
results in more specialized cells such as erythrocytes or muscle fibers.
, all of the above.
can only be done a certain number of times before there is no further
option to continue cell division.
is typically a process done by stem cells.
5. Describe how the growth patterns of benign and malignant tumors differ.
Both benign and malignant tumors grow at the same rate and invade
tissues.
Benign tumors grow rapidly and invade tissues, while malignant
tumors grow slowly and remain localized.
Benign tumors do not grow at all, while malignant tumors grow
rapidly.
Benign tumors grow slowly and remain localized, while malignant
tumors grow rapidly and can invade nearby tissues.
6. Describe how the properties of self-renewal and differentiation contribute to
the function of stem cells in cancer treatment.
Self-renewal and differentiation are processes exclusive to mature
cells, not stem cells.
Self-renewal leads to uncontrolled growth, while differentiation results
in tumor formation.
Self-renewal allows stem cells to maintain their population, while
differentiation enables them to develop into various cell types
needed for tissue repair.
Self-renewal is irrelevant to cancer, while differentiation only occurs in
benign tumors.
,7. What is the primary mechanism by which radiation therapy kills cancer cells?
By enhancing immune response
By damaging their DNA
By promoting cell division
By increasing blood flow
8. What is one example of a lab test used for cancer screening?
Mammogram
Blood pressure test
Skin inspection
Physical exam
9. Describe how angiogenesis contributes to cancer progression.
Angiogenesis prevents tumor cells from spreading.
Angiogenesis reduces the size of tumors by cutting off their blood
supply.
Angiogenesis is a process that only occurs in benign tumors.
Angiogenesis provides tumors with the necessary blood supply for
growth and metastasis.
10. Describe the significance of the three goals of cancer treatment in patient
care.
The goals of cancer treatment focus solely on eliminating the tumor.
The goals of cancer treatment are irrelevant to patient outcomes.
, The goals of cancer treatment—cure, control, and palliation—are
essential for tailoring therapy to individual patient needs and
improving quality of life.
The goals of cancer treatment are only applicable in advanced
stages of cancer.
11. Describe how metastasis to the bone can affect a patient's symptoms in small
cell lung cancer.
Metastasis to the bone can cause pain and discomfort in the
affected areas, as well as potential fractures.
Metastasis to the bone only affects the lungs.
Metastasis to the bone leads to increased appetite and energy levels.
Metastasis to the bone has no effect on symptoms.
12. What does the acronym TNM stand for in cancer staging?
Tumor, Nucleus, Metastasis
Tumor, Node, Metastasis
Tumor, Neoplasm, Malignancy
Tissue, Node, Metastasis
13. If a patient has elevated tumor markers in their blood test, what would be
the next appropriate step in the diagnostic process?
Rely solely on the blood test results.
Conduct a physical examination only.
Perform a tissue biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
Immediately start cancer treatment.
