Pathology: benign vs. malignant

Question 1

what does the term homogeneous mean, in context of a tumour, and does it describe a benign or malignant one

Answer 1

homogeneous = all of the tumour looks the same

seen in benign

Question 2

what does heterogeneous mean, in context of tumour, does it describe malignant or benign

Answer 2

heterogenous = parts of tumour look different, due to hemorrhage + necrosis
seen in malignant

Question 3

describe the shape of a benign and malignant tumour

Answer 3

benign = symmetrical + encapsulated
malignant = poorly defined and irregular

Question 4

what does pleomorphism mean and does it describe a malignant or benign tumour

Answer 4

pleomorphism = variability of size + shape of cells and their nuclei
seen in maliganacy

Question 5

describe the differentiation of benign and malignant tumours

Answer 5

benign = well differentiated
malignant = poorly differentiated - will not resemble cell type expected from that organ/tissue

Question 6

which tumour type can be described by mitotic figures and hyperchromasia

Answer 6

malignant

Question 7

what tumour type has a high nucleus : cytoplasm ratio

Answer 7

malignant