Question: 135. Neoplastic characteristics of cells refers to:
A. A mass of proliferating cell
B. Rapid growth of cells
C. Invasion and damage to the surrounding tissue
D. Those confined to original location
Answer: Option (2)
Explanation:
Neoplasia means an abnormal, autonomous proliferation of cells. Key points:
1. A. A neoplasm usually appears as a mass of proliferating cells (a tumour), so (A) is correct.
2. B. Neoplastic cells show increased and often rapid growth compared to normal tissues, so (B) is correct.
3. C. Malignant neoplasms have the ability to invade and destroy surrounding tissues; invasion and damage are characteristic of malignant neoplasia, so (C) is included as a neoplastic characteristic.
4. D. Being confined to the original location describes benign tumours only. It is not a general characteristic of neoplasia as a whole (since many neoplasms — malignant ones — invade or metastasize). Therefore (D) is not generally true for neoplastic characteristics.
Combining the correct statements gives A, B and C only, which corresponds to Option (2).