Which is a risk factor for cancer recurrence?

Which is a risk factor for cancer recurrence?

• A. Tumor size <2 cm
• B. Positive lymph nodes
• C. Low grade histology
• D. Clear surgical margins

Answer: (B)

The risk factor being tested is nodal involvement. When regional lymph nodes contain cancer cells, it signals that the disease has begun to spread beyond the primary tumor, which increases the chance that microscopic disease remains after treatment and may grow back, leading to recurrence. Lymph node positivity is a key indicator used in staging and is consistently linked to higher recurrence risk across many cancer types. In contrast, a smaller tumor size generally correlates with a better prognosis and lower recurrence risk; low-grade histology indicates a slower, less aggressive tumor; and clear surgical margins suggest no detectable residual tumor, both of which reduce recurrence risk. In clinical practice, positive nodes raise concern for recurrence and often lead to more aggressive follow-up and adjuvant therapy decisions.

The risk factor being tested is nodal involvement. When regional lymph nodes contain cancer cells, it signals that the disease has begun to spread beyond the primary tumor, which increases the chance that microscopic disease remains after treatment and may grow back, leading to recurrence. Lymph node positivity is a key indicator used in staging and is consistently linked to higher recurrence risk across many cancer types.

In contrast, a smaller tumor size generally correlates with a better prognosis and lower recurrence risk; low-grade histology indicates a slower, less aggressive tumor; and clear surgical margins suggest no detectable residual tumor, both of which reduce recurrence risk. In clinical practice, positive nodes raise concern for recurrence and often lead to more aggressive follow-up and adjuvant therapy decisions.