Histopathology basics · USMLE Step 1

Which of the following statements is true about tumor (neoplasm) nomenclature based on tissue origin and behavior in histopathology?

  1. Carcinomas arise from mesenchymal tissue and sarcomas from epithelial tissue
  2. Benign neoplasms always metastasize but never invade locally
  3. Carcinomas are epithelial and sarcomas mesenchymal; only malignant ones invade and metastasize
  4. All neoplasms invade through the basement membrane
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Correct answer: Carcinomas are epithelial and sarcomas mesenchymal; only malignant ones invade and metastasize

By standard nomenclature, carcinomas are malignant tumors of epithelial origin, sarcomas are malignant tumors of mesenchymal origin; benign tumors mimic tissue of origin, do not invade or metastasize, whereas malignant ones invade and may spread.

Difficulty: Medium Question 19 of 22

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