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What defines a tumor?

  1. Any raised area of skin

  2. A solid raised mass greater than 1cm

  3. A fluid-filled sac

  4. A type of skin infection

The correct answer is: A solid raised mass greater than 1cm

A tumor is defined as an abnormal growth of tissue that can occur in various parts of the body. The correct answer, indicating that a tumor is a solid raised mass greater than 1cm, aligns with the medical definition and classification of tumors. Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and are characterized by an increase in cell number, which can lead to the formation of a distinct, palpable mass. In medical terminology, a tumor's size and solidity are significant in distinguishing it from other types of lesions. While a raised area of skin can indicate a variety of conditions, it does not specifically denote a tumor, which necessitates a certain minimum size and the absence of fluid content. A fluid-filled sac represents cysts or abscesses rather than tumors. Likewise, a type of skin infection refers to an inflammation or infection process rather than the abnormal tissue growth characteristic of tumors. Thus, the definition emphasizing a solid mass greater than 1cm is essential for accurately identifying tumors in clinical settings.