Which of the following is a systemic effect most commonly associated with malignant tumors but rare in benign ones?
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Correct answer: Cachexia (wasting of fat and lean muscle mass)
Cachexia is a paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by profound weight loss and wasting, driven by cytokines like TNF-alpha and IL-6 produced by the tumor or the host immune response. Benign tumors generally do not cause cachexia unless they interfere with eating.
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More Benign and Malignant Tumors questions
- A benign tumor of smooth muscle origin is called a:
- Which of the following is the most definitive criterion used to distinguish a malignant tumor from a benign tumor?
- What does the term 'anaplasia' specifically refer to in the context of neoplasia?
- Which of the following describes the macroscopic growth pattern typically associated with benign tumors?
- A tumor is described as being 'well-differentiated.' What does this indicate about its biological behavior?
- Which of the following features is a common nuclear change seen in malignant cells but rarely in benign ones?