Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam

Which statement about squamous cell carcinoma of the lung is true?

1. It is a slowly growing cancer with a low tendency to spread.

2. It is associated with a very rapid growth rate.

3. It typically metastasizes early after diagnosis.

4. It often has a poor prognosis.

The correct answer is: It is a slowly growing cancer with a low tendency to spread.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung is known for its relatively slower growth compared to other types of lung cancers, such as small cell lung carcinoma. This type of cancer tends to arise in the central airways and is often linked to a history of smoking, which contributes to its pathophysiology. While it may exhibit some tendency to spread, it is generally characterized by a lower rate of metastasis in the earlier stages, especially when compared to more aggressive lung cancer types. This characteristic of slower growth allows for a potentially better prognosis in early-stage diagnoses, although prognosis can worsen as the cancer progresses or if it is diagnosed later when it has spread. Therefore, the understanding that squamous cell carcinoma grows slowly with a lower tendency to metastasize aligns accurately with current medical knowledge on this form of lung cancer. The other statements about squamous cell carcinoma are less accurate regarding the standard characteristics associated with this type of cancer. For instance, while some cancers might have a rapid growth rate or metastasize early, squamous cell carcinoma generally does not follow those patterns.