Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) Practice Exam

A sarcoma is a malignancy arising from?

1. Ectodermal tissue

2. Endodermal tissue

3. Mesodermal tissue

4. Neural tissue

The correct answer is: Mesodermal tissue

A sarcoma is a type of cancer that originates in mesodermal tissue, which is one of the three primary germ layers formed during embryonic development. The mesoderm gives rise to various types of tissue, including muscles, connective tissues, and the vascular system. Sarcomas are specifically characterized as malignancies that arise from these connective tissues, such as bone, cartilage, fat, nerves, and blood vessels. Understanding the origin of sarcomas is crucial for recognizing the types of tissues involved and the potential treatment strategies that may be employed. This knowledge is essential in oncology, as it influences the classification of tumors and can inform prognosis and therapeutic approaches. The other tissue types mentioned in the options—ectodermal, endodermal, and neural—are associated with different forms of malignancies. Ectodermal tissue typically leads to tumors like carcinomas that arise from epithelial tissues, while endodermal tissue gives rise to cancers of internal organs, and neural tissue may be associated with nervous system tumors. However, none of these options pertain to the origin of sarcomas, further solidifying the accuracy of referring to mesodermal tissue as the correct source.