The nurse is explaining cancer cells to a patient newly diagnosed with cancer. Which of the following should the nurse tell the patient are characteristic of cancer cells? (Select all that apply)

Question

a. They have division limits.
b. They usually grow slowly.
c. They are considered immortal.
d. They result from mutations of cellular genes.
e. They destroy the gluelike substance found between normal cells.
f. They take on the characteristics of the cells in the tissue to which they migrate.

Answer 1

ANS: C, D, E
C. D. E. Cancer cells do not have a division limit and are considered immortal. The progression from a normal cell to a malignant cell follows a pattern of mutation, defective division and abnormal growth cycles, and defective cell communication. Cell mutation occurs when a sudden change affects the chromosomes, causing the new cell to differ from the parent. The malignant cell enzymes destroy the gluelike substance found between normal cells, which disrupt the transfer of information used for normal cell structure. B. F. They do not take on characteristics of normal tissues, and they are usually fast growing, not slow growing.