Radiology Practice Test

What does "invasion" refer to in the context of tumor imaging?

1. The detection of tumor markers

2. The spread of cancer cells into surrounding tissues

3. The size of the primary tumor

4. The response of the tumor to treatment

The correct answer is: The spread of cancer cells into surrounding tissues

In the context of tumor imaging, "invasion" specifically refers to the spread of cancer cells into surrounding tissues. This phenomenon is a critical aspect of cancer progression and is a key factor in staging tumors and determining prognosis. Imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, can reveal how far the tumor has penetrated adjacent structures and whether it has affected nearby organs or tissues. Identifying invasion is essential for surgical planning and assessing the potential for metastasis, which significantly influences treatment decisions and patient outcomes. Understanding "invasion" as the process by which cancer cells breach the boundaries of their original tumor site helps clinicians evaluate the aggressiveness of the cancer. This contrasts with other concepts, such as tumor markers, which are substances released by tumors into the blood and are not directly related to physical invasion, or the size of the primary tumor, which does not necessarily imply invasion. Additionally, the response of the tumor to treatment pertains to how well the cancer is responding to therapeutic measures rather than the nature of its growth and spread into surrounding tissues.