Question

which cellular adaptations can lead to cancer? select all that apply.
hypertrophy
metaplasia
hyperplasia
atrophy
dysplasia

Explanation:

• Metaplasia: Can be a precursor. For example, in Barrett's esophagus (metaplasia of esophageal epithelium), it increases cancer risk.
• Hyperplasia: Excessive cell proliferation. If unregulated (e.g., endometrial hyperplasia), can progress to cancer.
• Dysplasia: Abnormal cell growth and organization. Considered a pre - cancerous condition (e.g., cervical dysplasia).
• Hypertrophy: Increase in cell size (e.g., cardiac hypertrophy in response to increased workload) is not directly linked to cancer.
• Atrophy: Decrease in cell size (e.g., muscle atrophy due to disuse) is not a cellular adaptation that leads to cancer.

Answer:

Metaplasia, Hyperplasia, Dysplasia