American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

Which tumors are known to be very radiosensitive?

1. Carcinoid tumors, adenocarcinomas

2. Sarcomas, epithelial tumors

3. Semenomas, lymphomas

4. Melanomas, gliomas

The correct answer is: Semenomas, lymphomas

The tumors known to be very radiosensitive include seminomas and lymphomas, making this option the correct choice. Seminomas, a type of testicular cancer, are particularly responsive to radiation therapy. They tend to have a slow growth rate and specific histological features that make them more vulnerable to the damaging effects of radiation. This treatment is often an integral part of the management for seminomas, especially in the early stages of the disease. Lymphomas, including both Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's types, are also known for their radiosensitivity. Radiation therapy is often employed in the treatment of localized lymphomas and can significantly contribute to successful outcomes, especially in cases of early-stage disease. The other tumor types listed in the other options generally have varied responses to radiation. For example, sarcomas and epithelial tumors typically exhibit more resistance to radiation, necessitating the exploration of other treatment modalities. Carcinoid tumors also tend to be less sensitive to radiation compared to seminomas and lymphomas. Additionally, melanomas and gliomas show a more heterogeneous response to radiation, with many exhibiting significant resistance, further delineating why they do not fit into the category of highly radiosensitive tumors.