Which of the following is a malignant tumor of the connective tissue?

Appeared in: Chitranjjan National Cancer Institute Kolkata - 2021

Explanation

Sarcomas are malignant neoplasms that arise from mesenchymal tissues, which are also known as connective tissues.
This category includes tumors of the bone (osteosarcoma), cartilage (chondrosarcoma), fat (liposarcoma), smooth muscle (leiomyosarcoma), and skeletal muscle (rhabdomyosarcoma).
The term 'sarcoma' itself indicates a malignant tumor of connective tissue origin, directly answering the question.

Option B: Carcinomas are malignant tumors, but they originate from epithelial cells, which line the surfaces of organs and glands, not from connective tissue.
Option C: An osteoma is a tumor of connective tissue (bone), but it is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor. The question specifically asks for a malignant tumor.
Option D: Glaucoma is not a tumor or a form of cancer. It is a progressive eye disease characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of tumors based on tissue of origin as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the difference between a sarcoma and a carcinoma is critical for nurses as it impacts patient assessment, education, and care planning, particularly concerning the likely sites of metastasis.
Sarcomas typically spread via the bloodstream (hematogenously), with the lungs being a common site for metastasis. Nurses should be aware of respiratory symptoms in patients with sarcoma.
Carcinomas often spread through the lymphatic system, leading to lymph node involvement. Nurses will assess for swollen lymph nodes as part of their physical examination.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question stem: 'malignant tumor' and 'connective tissue'.
Next, analyze each option based on these two criteria.
Recall the definition of Sarcoma: a malignant tumor of mesenchymal (connective) tissue. This matches both keywords.
Recall the definition of Carcinoma: a malignant tumor of epithelial tissue. This is malignant but from the wrong tissue type.
Recall the definition of Osteoma: a benign tumor of bone (connective tissue). This is from the correct tissue type but is not malignant.
Recall the definition of Glaucoma: an eye disease, not a tumor. This is incorrect on all counts.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 276-278

E6 Pathology-Vandana Puri & Kavita Gaur Textbook of Pathology and Genetics p. 113-115

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