NEET-PG 2012 Practice Questions

Q: What is true about HER2/neu overexpression in cancer?

Responds well to monoclonal antibodies. ***Responds well to monoclonal antibodies*** - HER2/neu overexpression is targeted by **monoclonal antibodies** like trastuzumab (Herceptin), improving treatment outcomes [1]. - These therapies are specifically designed to **inhibit HER2-positive** tumors, leading to better overall prognosis compared to those without such therapies [1]. *Good prognosis* - HER2/neu overexpression is generally associated with a **poor prognosis** due to increased aggressiveness of the cancer. - It correlates with **higher rates of recurrence** and metastasis compared to HER2-negative breast cancers. *Responds well to taxanes* - While taxanes are commonly used in breast cancer treatment, HER2/neu positivity does not specifically imply a good response. - Response rates may not significantly differ based on HER2 status for taxane-based therapies alone. *Seen only in breast cancer* - HER2/neu overexpression can also occur in other cancers, such as **gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancers**. - It is not exclusive to breast cancer, though it is most commonly studied in this context [1].

Q: Which of the following is the most common type of tongue cancer?

Squamous cell carcinoma. ***Adenocarcinoma most common*** - The most common type of tongue cancer is **squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)**, not adenocarcinoma [1]. - Adenocarcinomas are less frequently associated with the tongue compared to SCC, which constitutes the majority of cases. *Tobacco is the cause* - Tobacco use is indeed a **significant risk factor** for various head and neck cancers, including tongue cancer [1]. - Smoking and smokeless tobacco are linked to increased incidence and severity of **squamous cell carcinoma** on the tongue [1]. *Deep cervical lymph nodes not involved* - Tongue cancers often metastasize to **deep cervical lymph nodes**, particularly in advanced stages. - Involvement of lymph nodes is a common feature that can affect prognosis and treatment strategies. *Lateral surface involved* - The **lateral surface** of the tongue is a common site for cancerous lesions, especially in cases related to tobacco use. - Tumors might also arise from other surfaces, but lateral involvement is characteristic of **squamous cell carcinoma**. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Lung, pp. 738-739.

Q: A 24-day-old neonate presents with projectile vomiting and failure to gain weight. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Congenital Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis. ***Congenital Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis*** - The classic presentation includes **projectile, non-bilious vomiting** in a neonate around 2-8 weeks old, leading to **failure to thrive**. - An **olive-shaped mass** (hypertrophied pylorus) may be palpable in the epigastrium. *NEC* - **Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)** is an inflammatory disease of the intestine, primarily affecting premature infants. - Symptoms typically include **abdominal distension**, bloody stools, and lethargy, rather than projectile vomiting. *Duodenal atresia* - Presents with **bilious vomiting** within the first 24-48 hours of life due to an obstruction below the ampulla of Vater. - An X-ray would show a **"double bubble" sign**, which is not implied by the provided symptoms. *Hirschsprung's disease* - Characterized by **failure to pass meconium** within the first 24-48 hours and chronic constipation. - Vomiting, if present, is usually **bilious** and associated with abdominal distension, not projectile in nature.

Q: What is the correct sequence of medication administration for pre-operative prophylaxis in pheochromocytoma?

Alpha blockade followed by beta blockade. ***Alpha blockade followed by beta blockade*** - **Alpha blockade** should always be initiated first to control **hypertension** and prevent a **hypertensive crisis** during surgery. This is critical because pheochromocytoma causes excessive catecholamine release, leading to profound vasoconstriction. - **Beta blockade** is then added only after adequate alpha blockade has been achieved to control **tachycardia** and arrhythmias, preventing **unopposed alpha-adrenergic stimulation** which could paradoxically worsen hypertension. *Simultaneous alpha and beta blockade* - Administering both simultaneously is dangerous because **beta blockade** can mask the effects of inadequate alpha blockade. - This can lead to **unopposed alpha-adrenergic stimulation** after beta blockade, causing severe **vasoconstriction** and hypertensive crisis. *Beta blockade followed by alpha blockade* - Initiating with **beta blockade** without prior **alpha blockade** is absolutely contraindicated in pheochromocytoma. - This can lead to severe and potentially fatal **hypertension** due to **unopposed alpha-adrenergic stimulation** as beta blockade prevents vasodilation. *Alpha blockade only* - While essential for initial management, **alpha blockade alone** might not fully control all symptoms, especially **tachycardia** and **arrhythmias** caused by high circulating catecholamine levels. - Adding a **beta blocker** after achieving adequate alpha blockade helps in controlling these cardiac effects, optimizing patient preparation for surgery.

Q: What is the first-line intervention for acute symptomatic hydroureter with ureteral obstruction requiring urgent decompression?

Endoscopic ureteral stenting. ***Endoscopic ureteral stenting*** - **Endoscopic ureteral stenting** is the primary intervention for **acute symptomatic ureteral obstruction** requiring urgent decompression when the obstruction causes **hydroureter**. - This minimally invasive procedure provides immediate drainage from the kidney to the bladder, preventing further renal damage, managing pain, and relieving obstruction. - **Indications for urgent stenting** include: infected hydronephrosis, impaired renal function, intractable pain, solitary kidney with obstruction, or bilateral obstruction. - Alternative to stenting is **percutaneous nephrostomy**, particularly when retrograde stent placement fails or in infected systems. *Antibiotic prophylaxis alone* - While antibiotics are essential when infection complicates obstruction (pyonephrosis), **antibiotics alone cannot relieve the mechanical obstruction**. - The physical blockage must be addressed to prevent progressive renal damage and sepsis. *Immediate ureterolithotomy* - **Open ureterolithotomy** is a definitive surgical treatment but is **not first-line** for acute obstruction. - It is more invasive and typically reserved for failed endoscopic management, large impacted stones, or anatomical abnormalities preventing endoscopic access. - Modern approach favors initial decompression followed by definitive treatment (ureteroscopy, ESWL, or surgery). *Urinary alkalization* - **Urinary alkalization** may help dissolve **uric acid stones** over time but does not provide immediate relief of acute obstruction. - This is an adjunctive measure for specific stone types, not an emergency intervention for symptomatic hydroureter.

Q: In the context of inflammatory breast cancer, what is the TNM stage associated with the peau d'orange appearance?

T4b. ***T4b*** * The **TNM staging system** classifies T4b specifically for inflammatory breast cancer, which is characterized by the presence of **peau d'orange** (edema) of the skin of the breast. * This T stage also encompasses **ulceration of the skin** of the breast or satellite nodules confined to the same breast. *T4a* * T4a describes an **extension to the chest wall**, which includes the ribs, intercostal muscles, and serratus anterior muscle, but **not** the pectoralis muscle, which is generally not considered part of the chest wall for this classification. * This stage does **not** include the characteristic skin changes associated with inflammatory breast cancer. *T3* * T3 describes a tumor with a **size greater than 5 cm** in its greatest dimension, without direct extension to the chest wall or skin involvement. * This stage is based solely on tumor size and **does not account for the skin changes** like peau d'orange. *T2* * T2 describes a tumor with a **size greater than 2 cm but not more than 5 cm** in its greatest dimension. * Similar to T3, this stage is also based on tumor size and **does not include any skin involvement** or inflammatory features.

Q: What is the type of Intussusception that is most frequently observed?

Ileocolic type. ***Ileocolic type*** - This is the **most common form of intussusception**, accounting for approximately 75% to 90% of cases, especially in children. - It occurs when the **ileum telescopes into the colon** at the ileocecal valve. *Ileoileal type* - This type involves the **invagination of one part of the ileum into another part of the ileum**. - While it can occur, it is **less common than ileocolic intussusception** and is more often associated with a pathological lead point in older children and adults. *Colo-colic type* - This involves the **telescoping of one segment of the colon into another segment of the colon**. - It is **rare in children** and, when present, is almost always associated with a pathological lead point, such as a polyp or tumor, primarily in adults. *Caeco-colic type* - This type occurs when the **cecum telescopes into the ascending colon**. - It is also a **relatively uncommon form of intussusception** compared to the ileocolic type.

Q: Which of the following is a common consequence of gastrectomy?

Iron deficiency. ***Iron deficiency*** - Gastrectomy often leads to **achlorhydria** or hypochlorhydria, reducing the conversion of **ferric iron** (Fe3+) to its more absorbable ferrous form (Fe2+). - Additionally, bypassing the duodenum, a primary site of iron absorption, further contributes to **iron malabsorption**. *Calcium deficiency* - While gastrectomy can contribute to calcium malabsorption due to reduced gastric acidity and faster transit, **iron deficiency** is typically a more direct and common initial consequence. - **Vitamin D deficiency**, often co-occurring with gastrectomy, is a more direct cause of **calcium malabsorption**. *Steatorrhoea* - **Steatorrhoea** (fat malabsorption) is more commonly associated with conditions affecting the **pancreas** or **small intestine** (e.g., celiac disease, chronic pancreatitis) rather than primarily gastrectomy unless there is significant bile salt malabsorption or rapid gastric emptying affecting nutrient mixing. - Although rapid transit post-gastrectomy can sometimes impair fat digestion, it's not the most common direct consequence compared to iron deficiency. *Fluid loss* - **Fluid loss** is usually an acute post-surgical complication or related to conditions causing vomiting or diarrhea, and not a common long-term consequence of gastrectomy itself. - While **dumping syndrome** can occur after gastrectomy, causing osmotic fluid shifts into the intestine, generalized chronic fluid loss is not a primary recognized long-term sequela.

Q: A 10 cm tumor is found on the anterior surface of the thigh. What is the most appropriate procedure to obtain a diagnosis?

Incision biopsy. ***Incision biopsy*** - An **incision biopsy** is most appropriate for a large tumor (10 cm) to obtain a tissue diagnosis without performing a potentially morbid or disfiguring complete excision upfront. - It involves removing a representative section of the tumor for histopathological analysis, providing adequate tissue for diagnosis, grading, and subtyping. - This allows definitive treatment planning based on confirmed histopathology. *Excision biopsy* - **Excision biopsy** is generally reserved for smaller tumors (typically <3-5 cm) that can be completely resected with acceptable cosmetic and functional outcomes. - Excision of a 10 cm tumor on the thigh would be a significant surgical procedure, potentially causing substantial morbidity, without a prior definitive diagnosis. - Could compromise subsequent definitive surgery if margins are inadequate. *FNAC* - **FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology)** provides only cytological diagnosis, which is insufficient for definitive diagnosis, grading, and subtyping of soft tissue tumors, especially sarcomas. - It misses crucial architectural features and tissue patterns needed for accurate classification. - May yield inadequate or non-diagnostic samples from large heterogeneous tumors. *USG* - **USG (Ultrasound)** is an imaging modality, not a tissue diagnosis procedure. - While useful for characterizing mass features (size, location, vascularity, solid vs cystic), it cannot provide histopathological diagnosis. - The question specifically asks for a procedure to "obtain a diagnosis," which requires tissue sampling for microscopic examination.

Q: The appearance described as an inverted champagne bottle is associated with which condition?

Lipodermatosclerosis. ***Lipodermatosclerosis*** - This condition presents with a characteristic "inverted champagne bottle" appearance, where the **ankle area is narrow** and the **calf area above it is wider** due to fibrotic changes and fat atrophy. - It's a severe manifestation of **chronic venous insufficiency**, characterized by **skin hardening**, pigmentation, and inflammation, often preceding venous ulceration. *Varicose veins (enlarged, twisted veins)* - While associated with **venous insufficiency**, varicose veins themselves are **dilated, tortuous superficial veins**, and do not typically cause the generalized lower leg shape change described. - They may cause swelling and discomfort but do not directly lead to the **fibrotic narrowing** seen in an "inverted champagne bottle" leg. *Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (acute venous obstruction)* - DVT is an **acute condition** involving a **blood clot in a deep vein**, leading to sudden onset pain, swelling, and redness. - It does not cause the **chronic skin changes** and **fibrotic reshaping** of the calf and ankle that characterize lipodermatosclerosis. *Venous ulceration (open sores due to venous insufficiency)* - Venous ulcers are **open sores** that occur in severe chronic venous insufficiency, often found above the medial malleolus. - While they are a complication of the underlying venous disease that can also cause lipodermatosclerosis, the ulceration itself is a **skin lesion**, not the **overall inverted champagne bottle shape** of the leg.

Question 1

What is true about HER2/neu overexpression in cancer?

Accepted Answer

Responds well to monoclonal antibodies

Answer

Good prognosis

Answer

Responds well to taxanes

Answer

Seen in various cancers, including breast cancer

Question 2

Which of the following is the most common type of tongue cancer?

Accepted Answer

Squamous cell carcinoma

Answer

Lymphoma

Answer

Adenocarcinoma

Answer

Basal cell carcinoma

Question 3

A 24-day-old neonate presents with projectile vomiting and failure to gain weight. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Congenital Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis

Answer

NEC

Answer

Duodenal atresia

Answer

Hirschsprung's disease

Question 4

What is the correct sequence of medication administration for pre-operative prophylaxis in pheochromocytoma?

Accepted Answer

Alpha blockade followed by beta blockade

Answer

Beta blockade followed by alpha blockade

Answer

Simultaneous alpha and beta blockade

Answer

Alpha blockade only

Question 5

What is the first-line intervention for acute symptomatic hydroureter with ureteral obstruction requiring urgent decompression?

Accepted Answer

Endoscopic ureteral stenting

Answer

Antibiotic prophylaxis alone

Answer

Immediate ureterolithotomy

Answer

Urinary alkalization

Question 6

In the context of inflammatory breast cancer, what is the TNM stage associated with the peau d'orange appearance?

Accepted Answer

T4b

Answer

T4a

Answer

T3

Answer

T2

Question 7

What is the type of Intussusception that is most frequently observed?

Accepted Answer

Ileocolic type

Answer

Ileoileal type

Answer

Colo-colic type

Answer

Caeco-colic type

Question 8

Which of the following is a common consequence of gastrectomy?

Accepted Answer

Iron deficiency

Answer

Calcium deficiency

Answer

Steatorrhoea

Answer

Fluid loss

Question 9

A 10 cm tumor is found on the anterior surface of the thigh. What is the most appropriate procedure to obtain a diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Incision biopsy

Answer

Excision biopsy

Answer

FNAC

Answer

USG

Question 10

The appearance described as an inverted champagne bottle is associated with which condition?

Accepted Answer

Lipodermatosclerosis

Answer

Varicose veins

Answer

Deep vein thrombosis

Answer

Venous ulceration

NEET-PG 2012

Internal Medicine

Pathology

Pediatrics

Pharmacology

Surgery