Milady Esthetics State Board Practice Test

Skin cancer tumors typically form when cells do what?

1. Divide slowly and evenly

2. Die prematurely

3. Divide rapidly and unevenly

4. Become inactive

The correct answer is: Divide rapidly and unevenly

Skin cancer tumors typically form when cells divide rapidly and unevenly. This uncontrolled division occurs when the regulatory mechanisms that normally control cell growth and division become disrupted. As a result, instead of following the usual processes of cell turnover and apoptosis (programmed cell death), these aberrant cells continue to multiply, leading to the formation of tumors. Rapid and uneven division can lead to a mass of cells that do not function like healthy skin cells. These cancerous cells can also invade surrounding tissues and may spread to other parts of the body, further complicating treatment and increasing the severity of the illness. This understanding highlights the importance of maintaining healthy cellular functions and how their disruption contributes to the development of skin cancer.