Neoplasia and Cancer Biology · USMLE Step 1

Which of the following best differentiates benign tumors from malignant neoplasms on gross and microscopic pathology?

  1. Benign tumors invade the basement membrane, whereas malignant tumors do not
  2. Benign tumors metastasize frequently, while malignant tumors rarely do
  3. Benign tumors stay localized and differentiated; malignant invade, metastasize, and show pleomorphism
  4. Benign tumors always grow faster than malignant ones
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: Benign tumors stay localized and differentiated; malignant invade, metastasize, and show pleomorphism

Benign neoplasms generally remain localized, grow expansively without invasion, are well differentiated; malignant neoplasms invade surrounding tissue, may metastasize, and show cellular atypia and pleomorphism.

Difficulty: Medium Question 2 of 20

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