NCLEX Question for cellular carcinogenesis

NCLEX Review Question

During which step of cellular carcinogenesis do cellular changes exhibit increased malignant behavior?

a.Progression
b.Promotion
c.Initiation
d.Prolongation

Correct Answer: A
Progression
Rationale: During this third step, cells show a propensity to invade adjacent tissues and metastasize.

Promotion
Rationale: During promotion, repeated exposure to promoting agents causes the expression of abnormal genetic information even after long latency periods.

Initiation
Rationale: During this first step, initiators such as chemicals, physical factors, and biologic agents escape normal enzymatic mechanisms and alter the genetic structure of cellular DNA.

Prolongation
Rationale: No stage of cellular carcinogenesis is termed prolongation.

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