Which of the following terms is used to describe plaque build up in the blood vessels?

A. Embolism is incorrect because an embolism refers to a blood clot, air bubble, fat globule, or other material that travels through the bloodstream and lodges in a vessel, potentially causing obstruction. It does not describe plaque formation in the vessel walls.

B. Atherosclerosis is correct because atherosclerosis is the buildup of fatty plaques, cholesterol, and other substances within the inner lining of arteries, leading to narrowing and reduced blood flow, which can result in ischemia, heart attack, or stroke.

C. Hypertension is incorrect because hypertension is a condition of elevated blood pressure. While hypertension can contribute to vascular damage and atherosclerosis over time, it is not the term for plaque buildup itself.

D. Arteriosclerosis is incorrect because arteriosclerosis refers more broadly to thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of arterial walls, which can occur with aging. Plaque buildup specifically is termed atherosclerosis, which is a type of arteriosclerosis.

A. Basal cell carcinoma is incorrect because it is the most common type of skin cancer but is generally slow-growing and rarely metastasizes. It primarily causes local tissue damage if untreated but has a very low risk of spreading to distant sites.

B. Melanoma is correct because melanoma is a malignant tumor of melanocytes and is highly aggressive. If not detected and treated early, melanoma can metastasize to lymph nodes and distant organs, including the liver, lungs, and brain. Early detection and surgical excision are critical to prevent spread and improve survival. Risk factors include excessive UV exposure, fair skin, a history of sunburns, and multiple moles.

C. Squamous cell carcinoma is incorrect because although it is malignant and can invade surrounding tissues, squamous cell carcinoma has a lower tendency to metastasize than melanoma. However, untreated lesions can become locally destructive and, in rare cases, metastasize to regional lymph nodes.

D. Actinic keratosis is incorrect because it is a precancerous lesion, not a true cancer. These rough, scaly patches result from chronic sun exposure and have the potential to progress to squamous cell carcinoma over time, but they are not inherently malignant or metastatic.