Sarcomas are malignant tumors that arise from mesenchymal cells.
Mesenchymal cells are the cells that develop into connective tissues.
Connective tissues include bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, and blood vessels.
Therefore, sarcoma is correctly defined as a cancer of connective tissue.
Why Other Options Were Wrong
Option A: Cancers originating from glandular tissue are known as adenocarcinomas.
Option B: Cancers originating from the epithelial layer of the skin are called carcinomas (e.g., basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma).
Option C: Cancers that arise from the cells of the lymphatic system (lymphocytes) are called lymphomas.
Related Visual
Visual 1: Diagram - An infographic illustrating the different origins of cancer. It should show three main branches: Epithelial tissue leading to Carcinoma, Connective tissue leading to Sarcoma, and Lymphoid tissue leading to Lymphoma/Leukemia, with examples under each branch.
Clinical Relevance
Nursing practice connection: Knowing Classification of malignant neoplasms based on their tissue of origin helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Understanding the tissue of origin is critical because it determines the cancer's behavior, including its pattern of spread (metastasis).
Sarcomas typically spread through the bloodstream (hematogenously), most commonly to the lungs. Nurses caring for patients with sarcoma should be vigilant for respiratory symptoms like a new cough or shortness of breath.
Carcinomas, in contrast, most often spread through the lymphatic system to nearby lymph nodes first. This is why lymph node biopsies are a standard part of staging for many carcinomas.
How to Approach the Question
This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of basic oncologic terminology.
Identify the key term in the question: 'Sarcoma'.
Recall the fundamental classification of cancers based on their tissue of origin.
Associate 'Sarcoma' with its corresponding tissue type: Connective Tissue (mesenchyme).
Evaluate the given options. 'Connective tissue' is listed as an option.
Mentally differentiate from other cancer types to confirm your answer: Carcinoma (epithelial tissue), Lymphoma (lymphatic tissue), and Leukemia (blood-forming cells).
Concept Tested & Keywords
Concept Tested: Classification of malignant neoplasms based on their tissue of origin.
Stem keywords: Sarcoma, cancer, organ/tissue
Lead-in keywords: means
Question ID
QYC6n1u2Ge0k_1hKfh9rcA
Practise the full Raj. CHO - 2023
Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.