Rare Cancers and Tumors Quiz | Diseases

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. In what organ of the human body do pheochromocytomas occur?

Answer: The Adrenal Gland

Each adrenal gland is actually two separate glands, namely the cortex and the medulla. The cortex is the endocrine gland that produces about 30 different cortico-steroid hormones such as aldosterone and some androgens. The medulla provides the body with catecholamines (epinephrine and norephinephrine).

A pheochromocytoma is a benign tumor of the chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla that increases the blood levels of the catecholamines. This results in severe hypertension, constant or episodic, with headaches, dizziness and flushing.

The conclusive diagnosis depends upon finding elevated plasma levels of the metabolites of ephinephrine and norephinephrine.

2. In what organ of the human body do oncocytoma tumors occur?

Answer: The Kidney

Renal oncocytomas are benign tumors and are usually asymptomatic. However, some of these tumors may be very large. Smaller tumors are usually discovered incidentally or during an autopsy.

3. In what organ of the human body do immature teratomas occur?

Answer: The Ovary

Immature teratomas (fetal or embryonic) are rare germ cell cancers of the ovary and are highly malignant. They usually occur in prepubertal teenagers up to about 18 years of age. These tumors account for less than 5 percent of all malignant ovarian {cancers;} but, they are the most common type of ovarian cancer in women under age 20 years.

4. In what organ of the human body do neuroblastomas occur?

Answer: The Adrenal Gland

This cancer of the adrenal medulla occurs predominantly in children, under the age of 5 years. Occasionally, the cancer may be present in the unborn child, in utero, during the mother's pregnancy. The cancer spreads to bone and thus bone pain is common.

It frequently spreads to the retro-orbital space and causes bulging eyes. If the cancer spreads to the paraspinal ganglia, paralysis may occur. In spite of the seriousness of this metastatic cancer, treatment with cortisone medications and chemotherapy may result in a favorable prognosis. If the cancer first appears in older children, it is more likely to be rapidly fatal.

5. Which tumor of the pancreas causes typical symptoms of hypoglycemia,(insulin shock or coma) with blood sugar levels of 50 mgs. per dl. or less, while the patient is fasting and or exercising?

Answer: Beta cell adenoma

The pancreas is partially an endocrine gland and partially an exocrine gland. The endocrine tissue contains Alpha cells, Beta cells and Delta cells. The Beta cells produce insulin and a benign tumor of these cells (often called an insulinoma)increases the blood levels of insulin, which causes 'insulin shock or coma'.

The Alpha cells secrete glucagon and the Delta cells secrete somatostatin. Acini cells are part of the exocrine tissue of the pancreas. Insulinomas are rare in {humans;} but, common in older ferrets!

6. In what organ of the human body can choriocarcinomas occur?

Answer: The Brain

Choriocarcinomas are extragonadal, embryonic, germ cell cancers. They are usually located in the mediastinum, the retroperitoneal space and the pineal gland in the brain. The are more common in males than females. Gonadal origin is excluded by careful examination of the sex organs and the use of ultrasound.

7. In what organ of the human body do Leydig Cell cancers occur?

Answer: The Testicle

The Leydig cells of the testicles lie between the seminiferous tubules and secrete testosterone. These cancers are {malignant;} but, are very rare compared to other cancers of the testes.

8. In what organ of the human body do gliomas occur?

Answer: The Brain

Gliomas are the most common type of primary brain cancers. They are most commonly located in the cerebral hemispheres, but may involve the optic nerves, the brain stem or the cerebellum. These cancers are sub-classified into several different types including: well-differentiated astrocytomas, anaplastic astrocytomas and glioblastomas multiforme. All of the gliomas are malignant, but the glioblastoma multiforme is the most serious cancer, grows rapidly and does not respond well to treatments.

9. In what organ of the human body do schwannomas occur?

Answer: The Cranial Nerves

This is usually a benign tumor that involves the protective sheath around nerve fibers. This benign tumor commonly involves the eighth cranial nerve which controls hearing and balance. If the seventh cranial nerve is involved, facial paralysis may occur. The tumor does not metastasize and it is potentially {curable;} but, some of the side effects may be distressing.

10. In what organ of the human body do dysgerminomas occur?

Answer: The Ovary

This cancer usually occurs in teenage girls or young {women;} but, it accounts for only 2 percent of all ovarian cancers. The cancer is usually limited to one ovary and if less than 10 cms. in diameter, it is usually cured by surgery alone. If the cancer has spread, the metastatic cancer is very sensitive to radiation therapy.

Source: Author YOMD39

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor rossian before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.

Rare Cancers and Tumors Trivia Quiz

Cancers and tumors can involve almost any body organ and can be benign or malignant. This quiz includes ten unusual and often rare forms of cancer and or tumors.The questions deal with the primary organ involved for each cancer or tumor. Good luck.

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