Oklahoma Pit and Fissure Sealants State Practice Exam

What type of changes does BPA cause in soft tissue?

1. Malignant

2. Precanerous

3. Benign

4. Reversible

The correct answer is: Precanerous

BPA, or bisphenol A, is a chemical commonly found in various plastics and resins. Its effects on soft tissue are a concern in both environmental and medical contexts. Research has shown that exposure to BPA can lead to various changes in soft tissue, particularly through its actions as an endocrine disruptor, affecting hormone function and potentially leading to abnormal tissue growth. When we consider the choice of "precancerous" changes, it aligns with findings indicating that BPA exposure can lead to alterations in cellular behaviors that increase the risk of cancer development. This includes processes such as DNA damage and changes in gene expression that contribute to the initiation of carcinogenesis. While BPA may not directly cause cancer, its role in promoting precancerous changes in tissue makes this choice particularly relevant. The choice of malignant, benign, or reversible would not accurately capture the significant concern regarding BPA's oncogenic potential. Malignant changes suggest already established cancer, benign refers to non-cancerous growths, and reversible implies that the changes do not have lasting impacts, which is not consistent with the implications of BPA exposure observed in various studies. Overall, "precancerous" aptly describes the potential changes in soft tissue caused by BPA, supporting a growing body of research about