Georgia Virtual School (GAVS) Health Exam

The spread of cancer through the lymphatic system can lead to what outcome?

1. Newly developed primary cancers

2. Secondary tumors

3. Increased blood pressure

4. Improved immune response

The correct answer is: Secondary tumors

The spread of cancer through the lymphatic system can lead to the development of secondary tumors. When cancer cells break away from the original (primary) tumor, they can enter the lymphatic vessels and be carried to other parts of the body. Once there, these cells can establish new growths, which are referred to as secondary tumors or metastases. This process allows cancer to not only grow at the original site but also to propagate and spread to distant organs or tissues, complicating treatment and worsening the overall prognosis. In contrast, newly developed primary cancers occur independently, meaning that they originate in a location that was not affected by cancer previously. While increased blood pressure can affect individuals for various reasons, it is not a direct outcome of cancer spreading through the lymphatic system. Similarly, while the immune response can be influenced by the presence of cancer, it does not improve as a result of cancer metastasizing. Understanding how cancer spreads is crucial for identifying treatment strategies and developing effective interventions.