Which term describes a disease in which cells grow uncontrollably and invade healthy tissue?

Which term describes a disease in which cells grow uncontrollably and invade healthy tissue?

• A. Cancer
• B. Infectious disease
• C. Virus
• D. Bacteria

Answer: (A)

Uncontrolled, invasive cell growth is the defining feature of cancer. Cancer happens when mutations disrupt the genes that regulate the cell cycle and cell death, so cells divide out of control and invade surrounding tissues. This invasion into nearby tissues—and the potential to spread to other parts of the body—sets cancer apart from other diseases. Infectious diseases are caused by pathogens like bacteria and viruses; these terms describe organisms or particles that cause illness, not a condition of the body's own cells growing uncontrollably. So the term that fits the description is cancer.

Uncontrolled, invasive cell growth is the defining feature of cancer. Cancer happens when mutations disrupt the genes that regulate the cell cycle and cell death, so cells divide out of control and invade surrounding tissues. This invasion into nearby tissues—and the potential to spread to other parts of the body—sets cancer apart from other diseases. Infectious diseases are caused by pathogens like bacteria and viruses; these terms describe organisms or particles that cause illness, not a condition of the body's own cells growing uncontrollably. So the term that fits the description is cancer.