Gynecologic Oncology Practice Questions

Q: A 12-year-old female patient presents with a 4 x 5 cm dysgerminoma of the right ovary with an intact capsule. What is the best treatment?

Oophorectomy on the involved side. **Explanation:** The patient is a 12-year-old with a **Dysgerminoma**, which is the most common malignant germ cell tumor (GCT) of the ovary. These tumors typically occur in children and young adults, making **fertility preservation** a primary goal of management. **Why Option B is Correct:** For a Stage IA dysgerminoma (limited to one ovary with an intact capsule), the standard of care is a **Unilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy (USO)**. Since dysgerminomas are highly chemosensitive and often unilateral (85-90%), removing only the affected adnexa preserves the contralateral ovary and uterus, allowing for future fertility without compromising survival rates. **Why Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Option A (Cystectomy):** This is inadequate for a malignant germ cell tumor. There is a high risk of capsule rupture and peritoneal seeding, which would upstage the disease. * **Option C & D (Bilateral Oophorectomy/Hysterectomy):** These are overly aggressive "radical" surgeries. They result in permanent sterility and premature menopause, which is unnecessary for Stage IA disease, especially in a pediatric patient. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Tumor Marker:** Dysgerminoma is associated with elevated **LDH** (Lactate Dehydrogenase). It may also show mild elevations in hCG. * **Radiosensitivity:** It is the most **radiosensitive** gynecological malignancy, though chemotherapy (BEP regimen) is now preferred to preserve ovarian function. * **Association:** Dysgerminomas are frequently associated with **gonadal dysgenesis** (e.g., Swyer Syndrome); if a Y-chromosome is present, a bilateral gonadectomy is indicated due to the risk of gonadoblastoma. * **Lymphatic Spread:** Unlike other GCTs, dysgerminomas have a higher propensity for lymphatic spread, necessitating careful retroperitoneal node palpation during surgery.

Q: An 80-year-old female who has never taken estrogen develops pink vaginal discharge. An endometrial biopsy shows an adenocarcinoma of the endometrium. A Papanicolaou smear is negative. What is the most important indicator of prognosis?

Histologic type of tumor. **Explanation:** In endometrial carcinoma, the most significant prognostic factors are **histologic type** and **grade**, followed closely by the depth of myometrial invasion. **1. Why Histologic Type is Correct:** Endometrial cancers are broadly classified into two types: * **Type I (Endometrioid):** Estrogen-dependent, occurs in younger/perimenopausal women, and generally has a favorable prognosis. * **Type II (Non-endometrioid):** Includes **Serous** and **Clear Cell** carcinomas. These are estrogen-independent, occur in older patients (like the 80-year-old in this case), and are highly aggressive with a poor prognosis regardless of the stage at presentation. In an elderly patient not on HRT, the likelihood of a high-risk Type II histology is high, making it the primary determinant of her outcome. **2. Why Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Body habitus (A) and Nutritional status (C):** While obesity is a risk factor for Type I endometrial cancer and poor nutrition affects surgical recovery, they are not direct indicators of oncological prognosis or tumor behavior. * **Level of CA-125 (B):** CA-125 is useful for monitoring treatment response or detecting recurrence (especially in serous types), but it is not a primary prognostic indicator compared to the tissue diagnosis. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Most common histology:** Endometrioid adenocarcinoma. * **Most aggressive histology:** Uterine Papillary Serous Carcinoma (UPSC). * **Staging:** Endometrial cancer is staged **surgically** (FIGO staging). * **Type II characteristics:** Associated with p53 mutations and arises from atrophic endometrium. * **Papanicolaou (Pap) smear:** Not a sensitive screening tool for endometrial cancer; a negative result does not rule out the disease.

Q: A 50-year-old woman presents with postcoital bleeding. A visible growth on the cervix is detected on per speculum examination. What is the next investigation?

Punch biopsy. **Explanation:** The clinical presentation of postcoital bleeding in a 50-year-old woman with a **visible growth** on the cervix is highly suspicious for cervical carcinoma. **1. Why Punch Biopsy is correct:** When a gross, visible lesion is present on the cervix, the immediate next step is a **direct punch biopsy** from the growth. This provides a tissue diagnosis to confirm malignancy. In the presence of a visible lesion, screening or diagnostic aids like Pap smears or colposcopy are bypassed because the goal is histological confirmation of the obvious pathology. **2. Why other options are incorrect:** * **Pap smear:** This is a **screening tool** for asymptomatic women or those with a healthy-looking cervix. In the presence of a visible growth, a Pap smear has a high false-negative rate (due to necrosis and blood) and unnecessarily delays the definitive diagnosis. * **Colposcopic biopsy:** Colposcopy is indicated when the cervix appears **grossly normal** but there is an abnormal Pap smear or high-risk HPV DNA. It helps localize "occult" or pre-invasive lesions (CIN). It is not required when the lesion is already visible to the naked eye. * **Cone biopsy:** This is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure used when the entire lesion cannot be visualized (e.g., endocervical involvement) or when there is a discrepancy between cytology and biopsy. It is more invasive and not the initial step for a visible growth. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Gold Standard for Diagnosis:** Histopathology (Biopsy). * **Staging of Cervical Cancer:** It is primarily **clinically staged** (FIGO staging), though imaging (MRI/CT) is now incorporated in the 2018 FIGO revision. * **Most common symptom:** Postcoital bleeding. * **Most common histological type:** Squamous cell carcinoma.

Q: A young multigravida presents with postcoital bleeding. Physical examination reveals a normal vagina and a hypertrophied cervix. What is the next step in management?

Colposcopy with biopsy. **Explanation:** The clinical presentation of **postcoital bleeding** in a multigravida with a **hypertrophied cervix** is highly suspicious for cervical malignancy or high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). In clinical practice, any symptomatic patient with a visible cervical abnormality or persistent postcoital bleeding requires a definitive diagnosis. **Why Colposcopy with Biopsy is correct:** While a Pap smear is a screening tool for asymptomatic women, it has a significant false-negative rate (up to 20-40%). In a patient who is already **symptomatic** (postcoital bleeding) and has a **clinical finding** (hypertrophied cervix), the diagnostic "gold standard" is Colposcopy. This allows for a magnified view of the cervix to identify abnormal vascular patterns or acetowhite areas, followed by a directed biopsy to obtain a histopathological diagnosis. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **A. Pap smear:** This is a screening test. If a lesion is clinically visible or the patient is symptomatic, a negative Pap smear should not delay a biopsy, as it may miss an invasive cancer. * **C. Cryotherapy:** This is an ablative treatment for confirmed low-grade CIN. It should never be performed without a tissue diagnosis (biopsy) first, as it could mask an underlying invasive cancer. * **D. Pelvic examination:** The question states a physical examination has already been performed (revealing the hypertrophied cervix), making this a redundant step. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Postcoital bleeding** is the most common presenting symptom of cervical cancer. * **Hypertrophied cervix** in a multiparous woman often suggests chronic cervicitis or malignancy. * **Rule of Thumb:** If the cervix looks suspicious on speculum examination, proceed directly to biopsy regardless of the Pap smear result. * **Bethesda System:** Remember that Colposcopy is indicated for HSIL, ASC-H, and persistent LSIL/ASCUS.

Q: On follow-up study, elevated CA 125 in a case of epithelial ovarian tumor should be further evaluated with what?

CT Scan. **Explanation:** In the management of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), **CA 125** is the primary biomarker used for monitoring treatment response and detecting recurrence. According to standard oncological protocols (including NCCN and FIGO guidelines), if a patient shows an asymptomatic rise in CA 125 levels during follow-up, the immediate next step is to perform imaging to localize the recurrence. **Why CT Scan is the Correct Choice:** A **Contrast-Enhanced CT (CECT) of the Abdomen and Pelvis** is the gold standard imaging modality for evaluating suspected recurrence. It is highly effective at detecting peritoneal implants, lymphadenopathy, and visceral metastases. While PET-CT is more sensitive for metabolic activity, CECT remains the initial investigation of choice due to its accessibility and anatomical detail. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **MRI (A):** While excellent for pelvic soft tissue, MRI is generally not the first-line screening tool for systemic recurrence in ovarian cancer compared to CT. * **Yearly follow-up (C):** This is inappropriate. An elevated CA 125 indicates a high probability of biochemical relapse, requiring active investigation rather than observation. * **Clinical examination and serial CA 125 monitoring (D):** While part of routine follow-up, once the CA 125 is already elevated, monitoring alone delays the diagnosis of a macroscopic recurrence that may be surgically resectable (secondary cytoreduction). **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Rustin’s Criteria:** Defines biochemical recurrence as a CA 125 level rising to twice the upper limit of normal on two occasions. * **Lead-time bias:** Rising CA 125 often precedes clinical or radiological recurrence by 3–5 months. * **Germ Cell Tumors:** Monitor with AFP and hCG. * **Granulosa Cell Tumors:** Monitor with Inhibin B.

Q: A 36-year-old woman presents with vaginal bleeding, nausea, and pelvic pain. Her uterus is larger than expected for gestational age, and fetal heart tones are absent. Which of the following is most likely to be true?

b-hCG levels will be higher than normal. **Explanation:** The clinical presentation of vaginal bleeding, nausea (hyperemesis), a uterus "larger than dates," and absent fetal heart tones is classic for a **Hydatidiform Mole (Molar Pregnancy)**, a type of Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD). **1. Why Option A is Correct:** In a complete hydatidiform mole, there is abnormal proliferation of trophoblastic tissue (specifically syncytiotrophoblasts). Since these cells are responsible for secreting **beta-hCG**, the levels are characteristically **markedly elevated** (often >100,000 mIU/mL). This extreme elevation is responsible for the exaggerated pregnancy symptoms like severe nausea/vomiting and the development of theca lutein cysts. **2. Why the Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Option B:** Low b-hCG levels are typically associated with ectopic pregnancies or threatened/inevitable abortions, not molar pregnancies. * **Option C:** In approximately 50% of complete mole cases, the uterus is **larger than expected** for gestational age due to the rapid proliferation of chorionic villi and accumulated blood (clots) within the uterine cavity. * **Option D:** High levels of b-hCG have a structural similarity to TSH (sharing the same alpha subunit). This causes b-hCG to act as a weak thyroid stimulator, leading to increased T3/T4 and a **decreased (suppressed) TSH** level, potentially causing clinical hyperthyroidism. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **USG Finding:** "Snowstorm appearance" or "Bunch of grapes" appearance (vesicular pattern). * **Karyotype:** Complete Mole is most commonly **46, XX** (diploid, purely paternal origin); Partial Mole is **69, XXY** (triploid). * **Complication:** Risk of progression to Choriocarcinoma is higher in complete moles (up to 15-20%). * **Management:** Suction and evacuation is the treatment of choice, followed by weekly b-hCG monitoring until three consecutive negative results are obtained.

Question 1

A 12-year-old female patient presents with a 4 x 5 cm dysgerminoma of the right ovary with an intact capsule. What is the best treatment?

Accepted Answer

Oophorectomy on the involved side

Answer

Ovarian cystectomy

Answer

Bilateral oophorectomy

Answer

Hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

Question 2

An 80-year-old female who has never taken estrogen develops pink vaginal discharge. An endometrial biopsy shows an adenocarcinoma of the endometrium. A Papanicolaou smear is negative. What is the most important indicator of prognosis?

Accepted Answer

Histologic type of tumor

Answer

Body habitus

Answer

Level of CA-125

Answer

Nutritional status

Question 3

Which feature in ultrasound is suggestive of ovarian malignancy?

Accepted Answer

Septations

Answer

Papillary pattern

Answer

Bilaterality

Answer

Clear fluid

Question 4

A 50-year-old woman presents with postcoital bleeding. A visible growth on the cervix is detected on per speculum examination. What is the next investigation?

Accepted Answer

Punch biopsy

Answer

Colposcopic biopsy

Answer

Pap smear

Answer

Cone biopsy

Question 5

Which of the following findings indicates that an ovarian tumor is inoperable?

Accepted Answer

Peritoneal involvement

Answer

Excrescences over the surface

Answer

Stromal invasion

Answer

Pelvic metastasis

Question 6

A 43-year-old female is diagnosed with carcinoma of the cervix with obstruction of both ureters on imaging studies. What is the treatment of choice in this patient?

Accepted Answer

Intracavitary brachytherapy followed by external beam radiotherapy

Answer

Wertheim's hysterectomy

Answer

Schauta operation

Answer

Chemotherapy

Question 7

A young multigravida presents with postcoital bleeding. Physical examination reveals a normal vagina and a hypertrophied cervix. What is the next step in management?

Accepted Answer

Colposcopy with biopsy

Answer

Pap smear

Answer

Cryotherapy

Answer

Pelvic examination

Question 8

On follow-up study, elevated CA 125 in a case of epithelial ovarian tumor should be further evaluated with what?

Accepted Answer

CT Scan

Answer

MRI

Answer

Yearly follow-up

Answer

Clinical examination and serial CA 125 monitoring

Question 9

What is the recommended treatment for a 50-year-old woman with biopsy-proven CIN 3?

Accepted Answer

Colposcopy with LEEP

Answer

Conization

Answer

Hysterectomy

Answer

Trachelectomy

Question 10

A 36-year-old woman presents with vaginal bleeding, nausea, and pelvic pain. Her uterus is larger than expected for gestational age, and fetal heart tones are absent. Which of the following is most likely to be true?

Accepted Answer

b-hCG levels will be higher than normal

Answer

b-hCG levels will be lower than normal

Answer

Uterus will be of normal size for gestational age

Answer

TSH levels will be increased

Gynecologic Oncology — MCQs

Gynecologic Oncology — MCQs

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