Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

Which term describes a tumor that is not likely to spread?

1. Malignant

2. Benign

3. Atherosclerosis

4. Cachexia

The correct answer is: Benign

The term that describes a tumor that is not likely to spread is indeed benign. Benign tumors are non-cancerous growths that generally do not invade surrounding tissues or metastasize to other parts of the body. They tend to grow slowly and, while they can cause health issues due to their size or location, they are typically considered less of a threat compared to malignant tumors. Malignant tumors, in contrast, are cancerous and have the potential to invade nearby tissues and spread to other areas, making them a significant health concern. Atherosclerosis refers to a condition involving the hardening and narrowing of the arteries, not a tumor type. Cachexia is a complex syndrome characterized by weight loss, muscle wasting, and systemic inflammation, often associated with chronic illnesses, but does not refer to a tumor. Thus, benign is the correct descriptor for a tumor that is not likely to spread.