Question Constellation Sign up for free AQA · GCSE · Biology · Higher
Features of a malignant tumour
Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer. Lung cancer is malignant.
Explain what is meant by a malignant tumour.
Write your answer first. You can study the marking guidance whenever you need it.
Study the marking See what earns credit and compare it with a full-mark answer.
Marking points
- 1 Defines the tumour as arising through uncontrolled cell division/growth.
- 2 States that it invades neighbouring tissues.
- 3 States that tumour cells spread to other body sites through blood/lymph or metastasise.
Full-mark answer
A malignant tumour forms through uncontrolled cell division. It invades nearby tissues, and tumour cells can spread through the blood or lymph to other parts of the body, where they form secondary tumours.
Why this answer loses marks
A malignant tumour is a harmful lump.
This does not define malignancy through uncontrolled division, invasion of nearby tissue, and spread to other body sites.