Neoplasia — MCQs

Neoplasia Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 891: Flexner-Wintersteiner rosette is seen in-

A. Retinoblastoma (Correct Answer)
B. Hepatoblastoma
C. Nephroblastoma
D. Neuroblastoma

Explanation: ***Retinoblastoma*** - Flexner-Wintersteiner rosettes are **characteristic histological features** seen in retinoblastoma, indicating retinal differentiation [1]. - These rosettes reflect the **presence of photoreceptor-like structures**, which are specific to this type of tumor [1]. *Hepatoblastoma* - Histologically, hepatoblastoma shows **primitive epithelial cells** and **mixed patterns**, not Flexner-Wintersteiner rosettes. - It is primarily associated with **liver** and does not present with retinal differentiation. *Nephroblastoma* - Nephroblastoma, or Wilms tumor, typically exhibits **triphasic histology** (epithelial, stromal, and blastemal components) without rosette formation. - It primarily affects the **kidney** and does not involve the retina. *Neuroblastoma* - Neuroblastoma is characterized by **small round blue cells** and **neuroid differentiation** but lacks Flexner-Wintersteiner rosettes. - This tumor usually arises in the **adrenal glands** or sympathetic nervous system, not in retinal tissue. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Eye, p. 1342.

Question 892: All are growth promoting oncogenes except ?

A. FGF
B. PDGF
C. TGF-α
D. TGF-β (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***TGF-p*** - **TGF-p (Transforming Growth Factor beta)** is primarily known as a **growth inhibitory** factor rather than a promoting oncogene. - It plays a crucial role in **cell differentiation**, **apoptosis**, and inhibits cell proliferation, counteracting the effects of other oncogenes. *TGF-a* - **TGF-a (Transforming Growth Factor alpha)** is a **growth factor** that stimulates cell proliferation and is involved in various cancers [1][2]. - It binds to the **EGF receptor**, promoting growth and tumor development. *PDGF* - **PDGF (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor)** acts as a potent **mitogen** for connective tissue cells and is involved in wound healing and tumor growth [2][4]. - It plays a central role in promoting cell proliferation and migration, contributing to cancer progression [4]. *FGF* - **FGF (Fibroblast Growth Factor)** promotes mitosis and is crucial in **angiogenesis**, wound healing, and several developmental processes [2]. - Its overexpression is linked to various tumors, making it a significant oncogenic growth promoter [2][3]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. With Illustrations By, pp. 30-31. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Neoplasia, p. 292. [3] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Neoplasia, pp. 292-293. [4] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. With Illustrations By, pp. 31-32.

Question 893: Linitis plastica is a type of ?

A. Benign ulcer
B. GIST
C. Manifestation of gastric cancer (Correct Answer)
D. Plastic-like appearance of stomach lining

Explanation: ***Diffuse carcinoma of stomach*** - Linitis plastica is a specific type of **gastric cancer** characterized by **thickening of the stomach wall**, leading to a rigid, non-distensible abdomen [1]. - It often presents with **significant weight loss** and **early satiety**, distinguishing it from other stomach conditions. *Benign ulcer* - Benign ulcers do not cause the **extensive wall thickening** or **desmoplastic response** seen in linitis plastica [1]. - They typically heal with treatment and are associated with typical ulcer symptoms, unlike the progressive nature of linitis plastica. *Plastic like lining of stomach* - While linitis plastica describes a **plastic-like appearance**, it is not classified as a mere lining change but rather a sign of underlying **malignancy** [1]. - This option misrepresents it as a benign condition rather than a serious **stomach adenocarcinoma**. *GIST* - Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are **soft tissue tumors** of mesenchymal origin, differing fundamentally from the **invasive** characteristics of linitis plastica [2]. - GISTs typically present with **mass lesions** in the GI tract, not the diffuse rigidity seen in linitis plastica [1]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Gastrointestinal Tract, pp. 779-780. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Gastrointestinal Tract, p. 779.

Question 894: Gastric carcinoma is associated with all of the following EXCEPT:

A. Over expression of C-met
B. Inactivation of p53
C. Over expression of C-erb
D. Activation of RAS (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Activation of RAS*** - **RAS mutations** are relatively uncommon in gastric carcinoma compared to other gastrointestinal malignancies. While KRAS mutations can occur in approximately 10-15% of gastric cancers (particularly intestinal type), they are **far less frequent** than in **pancreatic adenocarcinoma** (~90%) or **colorectal carcinoma** (~40%). - In the context of gastric carcinoma, RAS pathway alterations are **not considered a major oncogenic driver** compared to the other molecular changes listed, making this the **LEAST characteristically associated** alteration. *Inactivation of p53* - **Inactivation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene** is one of the most frequent molecular events in gastric carcinoma, occurring in approximately **50-60% of cases**. - Loss of p53 function leads to genomic instability, uncontrolled cell proliferation, and resistance to apoptosis, contributing significantly to **tumorigenesis** and **poor prognosis**. *Over expression of C-met* - **Overexpression of C-MET**, a receptor tyrosine kinase for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), is commonly observed in gastric carcinoma (30-40% of cases) and is strongly linked to **tumor growth**, **invasion**, and **metastasis**. - C-MET amplification and overexpression promote cell proliferation, survival, migration, and angiogenesis, making it an important **therapeutic target** in advanced gastric cancer. *Over expression of C-erb* - **Overexpression of C-erbB-2 (HER2/neu)** is found in approximately **10-20% of gastric adenocarcinomas**, particularly the intestinal type. - HER2 amplification or overexpression is a significant **prognostic and predictive biomarker**, and is specifically targeted by **trastuzumab** (Herceptin) therapy in HER2-positive advanced gastric cancer, improving survival outcomes.

Question 895: What is the most common type of mediastinal tumor?

A. Lymphoma
B. Thymoma (Correct Answer)
C. Teratoma
D. Neurogenic tumor

Explanation: ***Thymoma*** - **Thymoma** is the most common **primary tumor** of the mediastinum in **adults**, particularly in the **anterior mediastinum** [1]. - It typically occurs in adults aged **40-60 years** and is often associated with **paraneoplastic syndromes** such as **myasthenia gravis** (30-50% of cases), pure red cell aplasia, and hypogammaglobulinemia [1]. - Presents as an **anterior mediastinal mass** on chest imaging, often detected incidentally or due to mass effect symptoms [1]. *Lymphoma* - **Lymphoma** (both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin) is a common cause of mediastinal masses, especially in **younger patients** and adolescents [1]. - However, mediastinal lymphoma often represents **secondary involvement** or systemic disease rather than a primary mediastinal tumor. - In pediatric populations, lymphomas are among the most common mediastinal masses. *Neurogenic tumor* - **Neurogenic tumors** (schwannomas, neurofibromas, ganglioneuromas) are the most common tumors of the **posterior mediastinum** across all age groups. - They arise from **nerve sheaths** or **sympathetic ganglia** and are the most common mediastinal tumor in **children**. - In the posterior compartment specifically, they predominate, but overall thymoma is more common in adults. *Teratoma* - **Teratomas** are **germ cell tumors** containing tissues from all three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm), which may include hair, teeth, cartilage, and bone [1]. - They are the most common germ cell tumor of the mediastinum and typically occur in the **anterior mediastinum** [1]. - More common in younger patients but less frequent overall than thymomas in the adult population. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Diseases Of The Urinary And Male Genital Tracts, pp. 571-574.

Question 896: Hurthle cell carcinoma is a variant of which type of carcinoma?

A. Medullary carcinoma
B. Papillary carcinoma
C. Follicular carcinoma (Correct Answer)
D. Anaplastic carcinoma

Explanation: **Follicular carcinoma** - **Hürthle cell carcinoma**, also known as **oxyphilic follicular carcinoma**, is a specific variant of **follicular carcinoma of the thyroid**. - It is characterized by the presence of large polygonal cells with abundant eosinophilic, granular cytoplasm known as **Hürthle cells** (or oxyphil cells) within the neoplastic growth. *Medullary carcinoma* - **Medullary carcinoma** originates from the **parafollicular C cells** of the thyroid, which produce calcitonin. - It is histologically distinct, featuring nests or cords of cells often associated with **amyloid deposits**, and is not related to Hürthle cell morphology. *Papillary carcinoma* - **Papillary carcinoma** is the most common type of thyroid cancer, characterized by distinctive **nuclear features** such as **Orphan Annie eye nuclei**, nuclear grooves, and intranuclear cytoplasmic inclusions. - Its histological origin and morphological appearance are different from Hürthle cell neoplasms, which are follicular in origin. *Anaplastic carcinoma* - **Anaplastic carcinoma** is a highly aggressive and undifferentiated thyroid malignancy with a very poor prognosis. - It is characterized by pleomorphic, giant, and spindle cells and lacks the specific differentiation seen in follicular or Hürthle cell tumors.

Question 897: Which of the following is the most common type of tongue cancer?

A. Lymphoma
B. Squamous cell carcinoma (Correct Answer)
C. Adenocarcinoma
D. Basal cell carcinoma

Explanation: ***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.

Question 898: Which gene mutation is commonly associated with malignant melanoma?

A. MYCN
B. CDKN2A (Correct Answer)
C. RET
D. BRAF

Explanation: ***CDK2A*** - CDK2A mutations are implicated in malignant melanoma as they disrupt the **cell cycle regulation**, contributing to uncontrolled cell growth [1]. - Loss of CDK2A function leads to reduced **p16INK4A**, a crucial inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases involved in **G1/S phase transition** [1,3]. - Germline mutations of p16 (CDKN2A) are present in 25% of melanoma-prone kindreds [2], and germline mutations in CDKN2A are associated with familial forms of melanoma [3]. *RET* - RET mutations are primarily associated with **medullary thyroid carcinoma** and **multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2**, not melanoma. - It is involved in the signaling pathways but does not have a direct link to melanoma pathogenesis. *None* - Suggesting "none" misrepresents the reality that specific mutations do occur in malignant melanoma, including **CDK2A** and **BRAF**. - This option fails to recognize the importance of genetic alterations in cancer development and progression. *N-myc* - N-myc mutations are primarily associated with **neuroblastoma** and not typically linked to malignant melanoma. - In melanoma, mutations of this gene do not play a significant role in its pathophysiology compared to another tumor suppressor gene like **CDK2A**. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Skin, pp. 1150-1151. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Neoplasia, pp. 297-298. [3] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Neoplasia, pp. 305-306.

Question 899: ER positive status in carcinoma breast indicates?

A. Prognosis (Correct Answer)
B. Etiology
C. Site
D. None of the options

Explanation: ***Prognosis*** - **ER positive status** in breast cancer indicates a better prognosis, as these tumors often respond well to hormone therapy [1][2]. - Patients with **ER positive** breast cancer usually have a lower risk of metastasis compared to **ER negative** tumors, making the outcome more favorable [1]. *Site* - ER status does not provide information regarding the **anatomical location** of the breast cancer, as it can be present in different sites of the breast. - It primarily focuses on the **biologic characteristics** of the tumor rather than its site of occurrence [1]. *None* - Selecting 'None' suggests that ER positive status has no relevance, which is incorrect as it is significant for treatment and prognosis [1]. - It is a crucial indicator for deciding on **endocrine therapy**, impacting management strategies in breast cancer patients [1]. *Etiology* - ER positive status does not directly indicate the **cause** of breast cancer, as various genetic and environmental factors contribute to its development. - It mainly reflects tumor behavior and response to therapies, not the **underlying factors** that lead to the disease [1]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Breast, p. 1056. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Breast, pp. 1064-1066.

Question 900: Which of the following germ cell tumors is benign?

A. Seminoma
B. Dermoid cyst (Correct Answer)
C. Embryonal carcinoma
D. Yolk sac tumor

Explanation: ***Seminoma*** - Seminomas are well-known malignant **germ cell tumors**, primarily affecting young males [2]. - They are associated with elevated **human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)** and can spread to lymph nodes [3]. *Leydig cell tumor* - These tumors are usually **benign** and arise from Leydig cells in the testes. - While they can produce **testosterone**, they do not typically exhibit malignancy. *Sertoli cell tumor* - Sertoli cell tumors are also generally **benign** and arise from Sertoli cells in the testes. - They lack the malignant behavior seen in seminomas and have a low rate of metastasis [1]. *Dermoid cyst* - Dermoid cysts are **benign** mature teratomas, commonly found in the ovaries or testicles. - They can contain different tissue types (like hair, fat, and teeth) but are not malignant. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Diseases Of The Urinary And Male Genital Tracts, pp. 512-513. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Lower Urinary Tract and Male Genital System, pp. 979-980. [3] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Lower Urinary Tract and Male Genital System, pp. 980-982.

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Neoplasia — MCQs

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