GED Science Practice

What is a malignant tumor?

1. molten rock in the earth's crust

2. a tumor that tends to spread

3. a thin coagulable fluid containing white blood cells

4. mammals with a pouch

The correct answer is: a tumor that tends to spread

A malignant tumor is characterized by its ability to spread to other parts of the body and invade surrounding tissues. This aggressive nature distinguishes malignant tumors from benign tumors, which do not spread or invade other tissues. The cells in malignant tumors often exhibit uncontrolled growth and division, leading to the formation of tumors that can disrupt normal bodily functions. As these tumors progress, they have the potential to metastasize, which means they can travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to form new tumors in distant organs. This property of malignancy is crucial in understanding cancer and its treatment, as it poses significant health risks. The other options do not relate to the definition of a malignant tumor. For instance, molten rock in the earth's crust refers to geological processes, while a thin coagulable fluid containing white blood cells pertains to bodily fluids like lymph or blood, and mammals with a pouch refers to marsupials, which has no connection to tumors or cancer.