PSI Barbering Practice Exam

What is the definition of a tumor?

1. An abnormal mass varying in size, shape, and color

2. A solid or liquid mass that is always cancerous

3. A benign growth that does not change

4. An infectious swelling caused by parasites

The correct answer is: An abnormal mass varying in size, shape, and color

The definition of a tumor encompasses an abnormal mass that can vary widely in size, shape, and color. Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and they can arise from various types of tissues in the body. This characteristic variability in tumors is a key factor in their definition, reflecting the diversity of growth patterns and behaviors among different types of tumors. In contrast, the other options misrepresent the nature of tumors. While it is true that some tumors may be liquid, not all are inherently cancerous; thus, the description of tumors as always cancerous is inaccurate. The option suggesting that a tumor is merely a benign growth downplays the complexity of neoplasms that can include a range of growth behaviors. Lastly, defining a tumor as an infectious swelling caused by parasites does not align with the medical understanding of tumors, which are not necessarily linked to infectious causes. Rather, tumors develop due to a variety of factors, including genetic mutations and environmental influences.