Gynecologic Oncology Practice Questions

Q: The CO regimen for the treatment of choriocarcinoma includes all of the following except?

Cisplatin. The correct answer is **Cisplatin**. ### **Explanation** The standard of care for high-risk Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia (GTN), including choriocarcinoma, is the **EMA-CO regimen**. This multi-agent chemotherapy protocol is preferred due to its high efficacy and relatively manageable toxicity profile. The acronym **EMA-CO** stands for: * **E** – Etoposide * **M** – Methotrexate (with Leucovorin rescue) * **A** – Actinomycin-D (Dactinomycin) * **C** – Cyclophosphamide * **O** – Oncovin (Vincristine) **Cisplatin** is not a component of the primary EMA-CO regimen. It is typically reserved for **refractory or recurrent** cases as part of salvage therapy regimens, such as **EMA-EP** (where Etoposide and Cisplatin replace Cyclophosphamide and Vincristine) or **TP/TE** (Paclitaxel, Cisplatin/Etoposide). ### **Analysis of Options** * **A. Etoposide:** A key component of the "EMA" portion, acting as a topoisomerase II inhibitor. * **C. Methotrexate:** The backbone of GTN treatment; used as monotherapy in low-risk cases and as part of EMA-CO for high-risk cases. * **D. Actinomycin-D:** An antitumor antibiotic used in both low-risk (as a second-line single agent) and high-risk (EMA-CO) protocols. ### **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG** 1. **WHO Scoring:** The choice between single-agent (Methotrexate) and multi-agent (EMA-CO) therapy is based on the **WHO Modified FIGO Scoring System**. A score of **≥7** indicates high-risk disease requiring EMA-CO. 2. **Most Common Site of Metastasis:** The **Lungs** (80%), followed by the vagina (30%). 3. **Tumor Marker:** Serum **β-hCG** is the gold standard for diagnosis, monitoring treatment response, and detecting recurrence. 4. **Vincristine Side Effect:** Peripheral neuropathy is a common dose-limiting toxicity of the "O" (Oncovin) in EMA-CO.

Q: Which of the following does not belong to gestational trophoblastic tumors?

Chorioangioma. ### Explanation **Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD)** refers to a group of pregnancy-related tumors arising from the abnormal proliferation of trophoblastic tissue (cytotrophoblast, syncytiotrophoblast, and intermediate trophoblast). **Why Chorioangioma is the correct answer:** **Chorioangioma** is a benign **vascular tumor** of the placenta, arising from fetal blood vessels (mesenchymal origin). It is the most common benign tumor of the placenta but is **not** a trophoblastic neoplasm. Clinically, large chorioangiomas can lead to polyhydramnios, fetal hydrops, and high-output cardiac failure due to arteriovenous shunting. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Hydatidiform Mole (Option D):** This is the most common form of GTD. It is categorized as premalignant and includes complete and partial moles. * **Choriocarcinoma (Option C):** A highly malignant, epithelial tumor composed of syncytiotrophoblasts and cytotrophoblasts. It is characterized by early hematogenous spread (most commonly to the lungs) and high hCG levels. * **Placental Site Trophoblastic Tumor (PSTT) (Option B):** A rare, slow-growing tumor arising from **intermediate trophoblasts** at the placental site. Unlike other GTDs, it produces low levels of hCG and is relatively resistant to chemotherapy (surgery is the primary treatment). **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **GTN Classification:** Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia (GTN) includes Invasive mole, Choriocarcinoma, PSTT, and Epithelioid Trophoblastic Tumor (ETT). * **Tumor Marker:** hCG is the primary marker for diagnosis and monitoring, except in PSTT where **Human Placental Lactogen (hPL)** is more characteristic. * **Snowstorm Appearance:** Classic ultrasound finding for a complete hydatidiform mole. * **Theca Lutein Cysts:** Often seen bilaterally in moles due to high hCG levels.

Q: A patient with carcinoma endometrium has >50% myometrial invasion and vaginal metastasis. Peritoneal seedings are positive. What is the clinical stage?

Stage IIIC1. **Explanation:** The staging of endometrial carcinoma is based on the **FIGO 2023 Staging System** (which updated the 2009 criteria). 1. **Why Stage IIIC1 is correct:** In the updated FIGO 2023 classification, the presence of **peritoneal metastasis** (seedings) is the defining feature for **Stage IIIC1**. * **Stage IIIA:** Involves the uterine serosa or adnexa. * **Stage IIIB:** Involves vaginal or parametrial metastasis. * **Stage IIIC:** Specifically denotes **peritoneal metastasis**. * *Note:* In the previous 2009 staging, peritoneal washings were removed from staging, but the 2023 update explicitly categorizes peritoneal spread as Stage IIIC1. 2. **Why other options are incorrect:** * **Stage IIC1:** This stage does not exist in the FIGO classification for endometrial cancer. * **Stage IIIC2:** This stage is reserved for metastasis to the **pelvic lymph nodes**. * **Stage IIIC3:** This stage is reserved for metastasis to the **paraaortic lymph nodes** (with or without pelvic node involvement). **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Myometrial Invasion:** >50% invasion (Stage IB) is a significant prognostic factor but is "upstaged" by distant spread (vaginal/peritoneal). * **Vaginal Metastasis:** Isolated vaginal involvement is Stage IIIB. However, when peritoneal seedings are present, the higher stage (IIIC1) takes precedence. * **Lymphovascular Space Invasion (LVSI):** This is now incorporated into the 2023 staging (Stage II) if extensive. * **Most Common Site of Spread:** Endometrial cancer primarily spreads via direct extension, but lymphatic spread to pelvic and paraaortic nodes is a key surgical staging component.

Q: A healthy 30-year-old woman presents for a routine health maintenance examination. Physical examination reveals no abnormalities. A screening Pap smear shows cells consistent with a low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL). Subsequent cervical biopsy specimens confirm the presence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) I. Which of the following risk factors is most likely related to her Pap smear findings?

Multiple sexual partners. **Explanation:** The patient has **CIN I (Low-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion)**, which is a premalignant transformation of the cervical epithelium. The primary etiological agent for nearly all cases of cervical dysplasia and carcinoma is infection with **High-Risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV)**, specifically types 16 and 18. **Why the correct answer is right:** HPV is a sexually transmitted infection. Therefore, the risk of acquiring the virus—and subsequently developing CIN—is directly proportional to sexual behavior. Having **multiple sexual partners** (or a partner with multiple partners) increases the cumulative probability of exposure to oncogenic HPV strains. This remains the most significant risk factor for cervical neoplasia. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **A. DES exposure:** In utero exposure to Diethylstilbestrol is specifically associated with **Clear Cell Adenocarcinoma** of the vagina and cervix, not squamous lesions like CIN. * **C. Oral contraceptive use:** While long-term use (>5 years) is a minor co-factor that may increase the risk of cervical cancer, it is not the primary inciting factor compared to HPV exposure. * **D. Prior treatment for malignancy:** While immunosuppression (e.g., chemotherapy) can hinder the body's ability to clear an HPV infection, it is not a direct risk factor for the initial acquisition of the lesion in an otherwise healthy 30-year-old. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **Most common HPV types in CIN/Cervical Cancer:** 16 (most common) and 18. * **Transformation Zone:** The most common site for CIN to develop (Squamocolumnar junction). * **Management of CIN I:** Most cases (approx. 60-80%) regress spontaneously; hence, observation with repeat cytology/HPV testing is often preferred over immediate excision in young patients. * **Other Risk Factors:** Early age at first intercourse, smoking (specifically for squamous cell CA), and HIV/immunodeficiency.

Q: Cervical cytology smear revealed CIN2. What is the next appropriate step in management?

Colposcopy. **Explanation:** The management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) follows a strict diagnostic algorithm: **Cytology → Colposcopy → Biopsy → Treatment.** **1. Why Colposcopy is the correct answer:** Cervical cytology (Pap smear) is a **screening tool**, not a diagnostic one. When a smear indicates a high-grade lesion like CIN 2 or CIN 3 (High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion - HSIL), the immediate next step is **Colposcopy-directed biopsy**. Colposcopy allows for the visualization of the transformation zone and the identification of the most suspicious areas to sample. A definitive histological diagnosis must be established before any ablative or excisional treatment is initiated. **2. Why the other options are incorrect:** * **Cryocautery & Laser ablation (Options B & D):** These are "See and Treat" or therapeutic modalities. They should only be performed after a colposcopic assessment has ruled out invasive cancer and confirmed that the lesion is entirely visible. Treating without a biopsy risks missing an underlying invasive malignancy. * **Hysterectomy (Option C):** This is an over-treatment for CIN 2. CIN is a pre-invasive condition; the standard of care involves fertility-preserving procedures like LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) or Cold Knife Conization if treatment is indicated after biopsy. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **CIN 1:** Usually managed by observation (repeat cytology in 1 year) as most regress spontaneously. * **CIN 2/3:** Generally requires treatment (Excision or Ablation) due to the risk of progression to Squamous Cell Carcinoma. * **Ablation Criteria:** Only if the entire transformation zone is visible, there is no suspicion of glandular disease, and no evidence of malignancy on biopsy. * **Gold Standard for Diagnosis:** Colposcopy-directed biopsy.

Q: Which of the following is NOT a symptom of molar pregnancy?

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism. **Explanation:** In a molar pregnancy (Hydatidiform mole), there is an abnormal proliferation of trophoblastic tissue. The correct answer is **Symptoms of Hypothyroidism** because molar pregnancy is actually associated with **Hyperthyroidism**, not hypothyroidism. **Why Option B is correct:** The trophoblastic tissue produces extremely high levels of **human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)**. The alpha-subunit of hCG is structurally identical to the alpha-subunit of **Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)**. Consequently, very high hCG levels cross-react with TSH receptors in the thyroid gland, leading to increased production of T3 and T4. This results in clinical or subclinical **hyperthyroidism** (tachycardia, tremors, heat intolerance). **Why other options are incorrect:** * **A. Amenorrhea:** Like any pregnancy (normal or abnormal), a molar pregnancy begins with a period of amenorrhea due to the hormonal shift following conception. * **C. Abnormal vaginal bleeding:** This is the most common presenting symptom (90% of cases). It occurs due to the separation of the molar tissue from the decidua. * **D. Expulsion of grape-like vesicles:** This is a pathognomonic sign of a hydatidiform mole, representing the hydropic degeneration of chorionic villi. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **Snowstorm appearance:** The classic ultrasound finding in a complete mole. * **Theca Lutein Cysts:** Large, bilateral ovarian cysts caused by high hCG levels (found in 25-30% of cases). * **Hyperemesis Gravidarum:** More severe in molar pregnancies due to excessive hCG. * **Early-onset Preeclampsia:** If preeclampsia occurs before 20 weeks of gestation, always suspect a molar pregnancy.

Q: What is the most common histological subtype of endometrial cancer?

Endometrioid adenocarcinoma. **Explanation:** Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological malignancy in developed countries and is broadly classified into two types (Bokhman’s classification). **Endometrioid adenocarcinoma** is the correct answer as it accounts for approximately **75–80%** of all cases. It is classified as **Type I** endometrial cancer, which is estrogen-dependent, arises from endometrial hyperplasia, and generally carries a favorable prognosis. **Analysis of Options:** * **A. Mucinous carcinoma:** This is a rare subtype (approx. 1–5% of cases). It is usually low-grade and resembles endocervical tissue but is not the most common. * **B. Clear cell carcinoma:** This is a **Type II** (estrogen-independent) endometrial cancer. It is highly aggressive, occurs in older postmenopausal women, and accounts for less than 5% of cases. * **C. Squamous cell carcinoma:** Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the endometrium is extremely rare. Squamous differentiation is more commonly seen as a component within an endometrioid adenocarcinoma (formerly called adenoacanthoma). **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Risk Factors:** Obesity (most significant due to peripheral conversion of androstenedione to estrone), nulliparity, late menopause, and Tamoxifen use. * **Protective Factors:** Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs) and smoking (though smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer, it decreases estrogen levels, thus lowering endometrial cancer risk). * **Precursor Lesion:** Atypical Endometrial Hyperplasia (also known as Endometrial Intraepithelial Neoplasia - EIN). * **Lynch Syndrome (HNPCC):** The most common extracolonic malignancy in women with Lynch syndrome is endometrial cancer.

Q: A 17-year-old girl presents with an ovarian tumor. Ultrasound shows a predominant solid component. Serum markers are negative for CA-125 and AFP, but Alkaline Phosphatase is elevated. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Dysgerminoma. **Explanation:** The clinical presentation points toward a **Dysgerminoma**, the most common malignant germ cell tumor (GCT) in young women. **Why Dysgerminoma is correct:** * **Age Profile:** It typically occurs in adolescents and young adults (under 30). * **Tumor Markers:** Dysgerminoma is uniquely characterized by elevated **Serum Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)** and **LDH**. It does not typically produce AFP or hCG (unless syncytiotrophoblastic giant cells are present). * **Imaging:** On ultrasound, it appears as a solid, lobulated mass with fibrovascular septa. **Why other options are incorrect:** * **Endodermal Sinus Tumor (Yolk Sac Tumor):** This is highly aggressive and characteristically shows significantly elevated **Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)**. Histologically, it features Schiller-Duval bodies. * **Malignant Teratoma (Immature Teratoma):** These usually contain elements from all three germ layers (often neuroepithelium). While they can have solid components, they are often associated with elevated AFP or LDH, but ALP is not a specific marker for them. * **Mucinous Cystadenoma:** This is a benign epithelial tumor, usually seen in older age groups, and is typically cystic/multilocular rather than predominantly solid. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Most common** malignant germ cell tumor in pregnancy and in patients with **gonadal dysgenesis** (Swyer Syndrome). * **Radiosensitivity:** Dysgerminoma is the most radiosensitive ovarian tumor, though fertility-sparing surgery followed by chemotherapy (BEP regimen) is the standard of care. * **Microscopy:** Look for "large polygonal cells with clear cytoplasm (due to glycogen) and central nuclei, separated by fibrous septa infiltrated with **lymphocytes**."

Q: The procedure shown below is

Large loop excision of transformation zone. ***Large loop excision of transformation zone*** - **LLETZ** uses a **wire loop electrode** with electrical current to excise abnormal cervical tissue at the **transformation zone**. - It is the standard procedure for treating **cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)** and obtaining tissue for histological diagnosis. *Radical trachelectomy* - This is a **fertility-sparing surgery** for **early cervical cancer** that removes the cervix and upper vagina while preserving the uterus. - It requires **open surgical approach** or **laparoscopy**, not a simple outpatient electrosurgical procedure. *Partial hysterectomy* - Involves **surgical removal** of the **uterine body** while leaving the cervix intact (also called supracervical hysterectomy). - This is a **major surgical procedure** requiring general anesthesia, not an office-based cervical treatment. *Dilatation and curettage* - **D&C** involves **dilating the cervix** and **scraping the endometrial lining** using a curette for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. - This procedure targets the **uterine cavity**, not the cervical transformation zone where CIN occurs.

Q: What is the commonest tumor of the ovary occurring in a young woman?

Dysgerminoma. **Explanation:** The correct answer is **Dysgerminoma**. **1. Why Dysgerminoma is correct:** Germ Cell Tumors (GCTs) are the most common ovarian neoplasms in children and young women (under age 30). Among malignant GCTs, **Dysgerminoma** is the most frequent subtype, accounting for approximately 50% of cases. It is the female counterpart of the testicular seminoma. It typically presents in the second and third decades of life and is highly radiosensitive and chemosensitive. **2. Why the other options are incorrect:** * **Immature Teratoma:** While this is a common malignant GCT in young women, it is less frequent than Dysgerminoma. It is characterized by the presence of primitive neuroectodermal tissue. * **Yolk Sac Tumor (Endodermal Sinus Tumor):** This is the second most common malignant GCT. It is highly aggressive and characterized by elevated **AFP** levels and the presence of **Schiller-Duval bodies** on histology. * **Endometrioid Tumor:** This is a subtype of Surface Epithelial Tumors. These occur predominantly in peri-menopausal or post-menopausal women (ages 50–60) and are often associated with endometriosis. **3. NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **Most common ovarian tumor overall:** Serous Cystadenoma (Benign). * **Most common malignant ovarian tumor overall:** Serous Cystadenocarcinoma (Epithelial). * **Tumor Marker for Dysgerminoma:** LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase) and sometimes hCG. * **Association:** Dysgerminomas are associated with gonadal dysgenesis (Swyer Syndrome). * **Bilateralism:** Dysgerminoma is the only malignant GCT that is frequently bilateral (10-15%).

Question 1

The CO regimen for the treatment of choriocarcinoma includes all of the following except?

Accepted Answer

Cisplatin

Answer

Etoposide

Answer

Methotrexate

Answer

Actinomycin-D

Question 2

Which of the following does not belong to gestational trophoblastic tumors?

Accepted Answer

Chorioangioma

Answer

Placental site trophoblastic tumor

Answer

Choriocarcinoma

Answer

Hydatidiform mole

Question 3

A patient with carcinoma endometrium has >50% myometrial invasion and vaginal metastasis. Peritoneal seedings are positive. What is the clinical stage?

Accepted Answer

Stage IIIC1

Answer

Stage IIC1

Answer

Stage IIIC2

Answer

Stage IIIC3

Question 4

A healthy 30-year-old woman presents for a routine health maintenance examination. Physical examination reveals no abnormalities. A screening Pap smear shows cells consistent with a low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL). Subsequent cervical biopsy specimens confirm the presence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) I. Which of the following risk factors is most likely related to her Pap smear findings?

Accepted Answer

Multiple sexual partners

Answer

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure

Answer

Oral contraceptive use

Answer

Prior treatment for a malignancy

Question 5

Cervical cytology smear revealed CIN2. What is the next appropriate step in management?

Accepted Answer

Colposcopy

Answer

Cryocautery

Answer

Hysterectomy

Answer

Laser ablation

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of molar pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Answer

Amenorrhea

Answer

Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Answer

Expulsion of grape-like vesicles

Question 7

What is the most common histological subtype of endometrial cancer?

Accepted Answer

Endometrioid adenocarcinoma

Answer

Mucinous carcinoma

Answer

Clear cell carcinoma

Answer

Squamous cell carcinoma

Question 8

A 17-year-old girl presents with an ovarian tumor. Ultrasound shows a predominant solid component. Serum markers are negative for CA-125 and AFP, but Alkaline Phosphatase is elevated. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Dysgerminoma

Answer

Endodermal sinus tumor

Answer

Malignant teratoma

Answer

Mucinous cystadenoma

Question 9

The procedure shown below is

Accepted Answer

Large loop excision of transformation zone

Answer

Radical trachelectomy

Answer

Partial hysterectomy

Answer

Dilatation and curettage

Question 10

What is the commonest tumor of the ovary occurring in a young woman?

Accepted Answer

Dysgerminoma

Answer

Immature teratoma

Answer

Yolk sac tumor

Answer

Endometrioid tumor

Gynecologic Oncology — MCQs

Gynecologic Oncology — MCQs

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