Quality of life considerations in cancer surgery US Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Practice US Medical PG questions for Quality of life considerations in cancer surgery. These multiple choice questions (MCQs) cover important concepts and help you prepare for your exams.
Quality of life considerations in cancer surgery US Medical PG Question 1: A 64-year-old woman presents to the surgical oncology clinic as a new patient for evaluation of recently diagnosed breast cancer. She has a medical history of type 2 diabetes mellitus for which she takes metformin. Her surgical history is a total knee arthroplasty 7 years ago. Her family history is insignificant. Physical examination is notable for an irregular nodule near the surface of her right breast. Her primary concern today is which surgical approach will be chosen to remove her breast cancer. Which of the following procedures involves the removal of a portion of a breast?
- A. Arthroplasty
- B. Lumpectomy (Correct Answer)
- C. Vasectomy
- D. Mastectomy
- E. Laminectomy
Quality of life considerations in cancer surgery Explanation: ***Lumpectomy***
- A **lumpectomy** is a surgical procedure that removes the **breast cancer tumor** and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue, preserving most of the breast.
- This procedure is a common treatment for early-stage breast cancer and is often followed by radiation therapy.
*Arthroplasty*
- **Arthroplasty** is a surgical procedure to **repair or replace a joint**, typically due to arthritis or injury.
- The patient's history of a total knee arthroplasty indicates this procedure was performed on her knee, not her breast.
*Vasectomy*
- A **vasectomy** is a surgical procedure for **male sterilization**, involving the cutting and sealing of the vas deferens.
- This procedure is unrelated to breast cancer treatment or breast surgery.
*Mastectomy*
- A **mastectomy** involves the **complete surgical removal of the entire breast**, often including the nipple and areola.
- While it is a breast surgery, it removes the *entire* breast, not just a portion.
*Laminectomy*
- A **laminectomy** is a surgical procedure that removes a portion of the **vertebra (lamina)** to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.
- This procedure is for spinal conditions and is entirely unrelated to breast cancer surgery.
Quality of life considerations in cancer surgery US Medical PG Question 2: A 75-year-old woman with metastatic colon cancer comes to the physician requesting assistance in ending her life. She states: “I just can't take it anymore; the pain is unbearable. Please help me die.” Current medications include 10 mg oral hydrocodone every 12 hours. Her cancer has progressed despite chemotherapy and she is very frail. She lives alone and has no close family. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial action by the physician?
- A. Consult with the local ethics committee
- B. Submit a referral to psychiatry
- C. Submit a referral to hospice care
- D. Increase her pain medication dose (Correct Answer)
- E. Initiate authorization of physician-assisted suicide
Quality of life considerations in cancer surgery Explanation: ***Increase her pain medication dose***
- The patient's request to end her life is directly linked to "unbearable pain" and her current pain regimen (10 mg hydrocodone every 12 hours) is **sub-therapeutic** for metastatic cancer, indicating inadequate pain control.
- Addressing the **underlying cause** of her distress, which is severe pain, with appropriate analgesia is the immediate and most ethical first step in palliative care.
*Consult with the local ethics committee*
- While ethical considerations are paramount in end-of-life care, this is not the **initial action** as the patient's pain, a modifiable factor, needs to be addressed first.
- An ethics committee consultation would be more appropriate if adequate pain control has been attempted and the patient's request persists or if there are complex ethical dilemmas beyond immediate symptom management.
*Submit a referral to psychiatry*
- Although patients with severe illness may experience depression, the primary stated reason for her request is **unbearable pain**, which is a physical symptom requiring immediate medical attention.
- A psychiatric referral might be warranted if, after adequate pain management, the patient continues to express persistent desires for death or exhibits symptoms of a treatable mood disorder, but it is not the *initial* step.
*Submit a referral to hospice care*
- This is an appropriate step for a patient with metastatic colon cancer and frailty, as hospice provides **comprehensive palliative care**.
- However, the **immediate priority** is addressing her acute and inadequately treated pain, which is the stated reason for her distress and request for assistance in dying.
*Initiate authorization of physician-assisted suicide*
- Physician-assisted suicide is **illegal** in most jurisdictions and ethically controversial, and palliative care principles prioritize relieving suffering rather than ending life.
- The patient's request stems from **unmanaged pain**, which is a treatable condition, making physician-assisted suicide an inappropriate and premature consideration.
Quality of life considerations in cancer surgery US Medical PG Question 3: You conduct a medical research study to determine the screening efficacy of a novel serum marker for colon cancer. The study is divided into 2 subsets. In the first, there are 500 patients with colon cancer, of which 450 are found positive for the novel serum marker. In the second arm, there are 500 patients who do not have colon cancer, and only 10 are found positive for the novel serum marker. What is the overall sensitivity of this novel test?
- A. 450 / (450 + 10)
- B. 490 / (10 + 490)
- C. 490 / (50 + 490)
- D. 450 / (450 + 50) (Correct Answer)
- E. 490 / (450 + 490)
Quality of life considerations in cancer surgery Explanation: ***450 / (450 + 50)***
- **Sensitivity** is defined as the proportion of actual positive cases that are correctly identified by the test.
- In this study, there are **500 patients with colon cancer** (actual positives), and **450 of them tested positive** for the marker, while **50 tested negative** (500 - 450 = 50). Therefore, sensitivity = 450 / (450 + 50) = 450/500 = 0.9 or 90%.
*450 / (450 + 10)*
- This formula represents **Positive Predictive Value (PPV)**, which is the probability that a person with a positive test result actually has the disease.
- It incorrectly uses the total number of **test positives** in the denominator (450 true positives + 10 false positives) instead of the total number of diseased individuals, which is needed for sensitivity.
*490 / (10 + 490)*
- This is actually the correct formula for **specificity**, not sensitivity.
- Specificity = TN / (FP + TN) = 490 / (10 + 490) = 490/500 = 0.98 or 98%, which measures the proportion of actual negative cases correctly identified.
- The question asks for sensitivity, not specificity.
*490 / (50 + 490)*
- This formula incorrectly mixes **true negatives (490)** with **false negatives (50)** in an attempt to calculate specificity.
- The correct specificity formula should use false positives (10), not false negatives (50), in the denominator: 490 / (10 + 490).
*490 / (450 + 490)*
- This calculation incorrectly combines **true negatives (490)** and **true positives (450)** in the denominator, which does not correspond to any standard epidemiological measure.
- Neither sensitivity nor specificity uses both true positives and true negatives in the denominator.
Quality of life considerations in cancer surgery US Medical PG Question 4: A research group wants to assess the safety and toxicity profile of a new drug. A clinical trial is conducted with 20 volunteers to estimate the maximum tolerated dose and monitor the apparent toxicity of the drug. The study design is best described as which of the following phases of a clinical trial?
- A. Phase 0
- B. Phase III
- C. Phase V
- D. Phase II
- E. Phase I (Correct Answer)
Quality of life considerations in cancer surgery Explanation: ***Phase I***
- **Phase I clinical trials** involve a small group of healthy volunteers (typically 20-100) to primarily assess **drug safety**, determine a safe dosage range, and identify side effects.
- The main goal is to establish the **maximum tolerated dose (MTD)** and evaluate the drug's pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles.
*Phase 0*
- **Phase 0 trials** are exploratory studies conducted in a very small number of subjects (10-15) to gather preliminary data on a drug's **pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics** in humans.
- They involve microdoses, not intended to have therapeutic effects, and thus cannot determine toxicity or MTD.
*Phase III*
- **Phase III trials** are large-scale studies involving hundreds to thousands of patients to confirm the drug's **efficacy**, monitor side effects, compare it to standard treatments, and collect information that will allow the drug to be used safely.
- These trials are conducted after safety and initial efficacy have been established in earlier phases.
*Phase V*
- "Phase V" is not a standard, recognized phase in the traditional clinical trial classification (Phase 0, I, II, III, IV).
- This term might be used in some non-standard research contexts or for post-marketing studies that go beyond Phase IV surveillance, but it is not a formal phase for initial drug development.
*Phase II*
- **Phase II trials** involve several hundred patients with the condition the drug is intended to treat, focusing on **drug efficacy** and further evaluating safety.
- While safety is still monitored, the primary objective shifts to determining if the drug works for its intended purpose and at what dose.
Quality of life considerations in cancer surgery US Medical PG Question 5: A 68-year-old woman was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. At what point should her physician initiate a discussion with her regarding advance directive planning?
- A. Once she enters hospice
- B. Now that she is ill, speaking about advance directives is no longer an option
- C. Only if her curative surgical and medical treatment fails
- D. Only if she initiates the conversation
- E. At this visit (Correct Answer)
Quality of life considerations in cancer surgery Explanation: ***At this visit***
- Advance care planning should ideally be initiated as soon as a **serious illness** like pancreatic cancer is diagnosed, while the patient still has the capacity to make informed decisions.
- This allows the patient to clearly state their **wishes** for future medical care and designate a **surrogate decision-maker**.
*Once she enters hospice*
- Delaying discussions until hospice care often means the patient's condition has significantly deteriorated, potentially impacting their ability to actively participate in **decision-making**.
- While advance directives are crucial for hospice patients, starting earlier ensures their preferences guide all stages of their care, not just the end-of-life phase.
*Now that she is ill, speaking about advance directives is no longer an option*
- This statement is incorrect as illness is often the **catalyst** for initiating advance care planning, not a barrier.
- Patients often appreciate the opportunity to discuss their wishes, especially when facing a serious diagnosis, to maintain a sense of **control** and ensure their autonomy.
*Only if her curative surgical and medical treatment fails*
- Waiting until treatment failure is too late as the patient's condition may have worsened to a point where they are no longer able to engage in **meaningful discussions** or have decreased mental capacity.
- Advance care planning is about preparing for potential future scenarios, not just reacting to immediate failures; it provides a framework for care regardless of **treatment outcomes**.
*Only if she initiates the conversation*
- While patient initiation is ideal, it is the physician's responsibility to bring up these important discussions, especially with a new diagnosis of a serious illness like **pancreatic cancer**.
- Many patients may not know about advance directives or feel comfortable initiating such a sensitive conversation, so the physician should proactively offer the **opportunity**.
Quality of life considerations in cancer surgery US Medical PG Question 6: One day after undergoing surgery for a traumatic right pelvic fracture, a 73-year-old man has pain over his buttocks and scrotum and urinary incontinence. Physical examination shows right-sided perineal hypesthesia and absence of anal sphincter contraction when the skin around the anus is touched. This patient is most likely to have which of the following additional neurological deficits?
- A. Impaired hip flexion
- B. Paralysis of hip adductors
- C. Absent cremasteric reflex
- D. Impaired psychogenic erection
- E. Absent reflex erection (Correct Answer)
Quality of life considerations in cancer surgery Explanation: ***Absent reflex erection***
- The patient's symptoms (buttock/scrotal pain, perineal hypesthesia, urinary incontinence, absent anal sphincter contraction) suggest **damage to the sacral plexus and pudendal nerve**, consistent with a **cauda equina syndrome**.
- **Reflex erections** are primarily mediated by the **sacral parasympathetic outflow (S2-S4)**, which are likely compromised given the other sacral nerve deficits.
*Impaired hip flexion*
- **Hip flexion** is primarily controlled by the **L1-L3 nerve roots** (e.g., iliopsoas muscle), and while a severe pelvic fracture could cause widespread nerve damage, the current symptoms localize more strongly to the sacral region.
- The described symptoms are more indicative of **sacral nerve involvement** rather than higher lumbar segments that govern hip flexion.
*Paralysis of hip adductors*
- **Hip adduction** is mainly innervated by the **obturator nerve (L2-L4)**.
- The patient's symptoms point to **S2-S4 nerve dysfunction** (perineal sensation, anal sphincter, bladder), which are distinct from the obturator nerve's primary innervations.
*Absent cremasteric reflex*
- The **cremasteric reflex** is mediated by the **genitofemoral nerve (L1-L2)**.
- The symptoms presented are more consistent with **sacral nerve damage**, specifically S2-S4, rather than the higher lumbar segments responsible for the cremasteric reflex.
*Impaired psychogenic erection*
- **Psychogenic erections** are initiated by **supraspinal input** descending through the thoracolumbar spinal cord (T10-L2) to activate sympathetic pathways.
- While sacral nerve damage can affect the final efferent pathway for all erections, the direct impairment of psychogenic initiation is linked to higher centers and **thoracolumbar sympathetic outflow**, not purely sacral damage.
Quality of life considerations in cancer surgery US Medical PG Question 7: A 38-year-old man comes to the physician because of a 2-week history of severe pain while passing stools. The stools are covered with bright red blood. He has been avoiding defecation because of the pain. Last year, he was hospitalized for pilonidal sinus surgery. He has had chronic lower back pain ever since he had an accident at his workplace 10 years ago. The patient's father was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 62. Current medications include oxycodone and gabapentin. He is 163 cm (5 ft 4 in) tall and weighs 100 kg (220 lb); BMI is 37.6 kg/m2. Vital signs are within normal limits. The abdomen is soft and nontender. Digital rectal examination was not performed because of severe pain. His hemoglobin is 16.3 mg/dL and his leukocyte count is 8300/mm3. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
- A. Anal sphincterotomy
- B. Colonoscopy
- C. Botulinum toxin injection
- D. Sitz baths and topical nifedipine (Correct Answer)
- E. Tract curettage
Quality of life considerations in cancer surgery Explanation: ***Sitz baths and topical nifedipine***
- The patient's presentation of severe pain with defecation, bright red blood on stools, and avoidance of defecation is highly suggestive of an **anal fissure**.
- **Sitz baths** provide symptomatic relief by promoting muscle relaxation and increasing blood flow, while **topical nifedipine** acts as a calcium channel blocker to relax the internal anal sphincter, reducing pain and promoting healing.
*Anal sphincterotomy*
- This is a surgical procedure typically reserved for **chronic, refractory anal fissures** that have failed conservative management.
- Performing it as a first-line treatment is **premature** and carries higher risks compared to less invasive options.
*Colonoscopy*
- While the patient has a family history of colon cancer, the clinical presentation with **severe anal pain** and **bright red blood** primarily points to an anal fissure.
- A colonoscopy is generally indicated for evaluating suspicion of malignancy or other colonic pathology, not as an initial step for acute, localized anal pain attributed to a likely fissure.
*Botulinum toxin injection*
- **Botulinum toxin injection** is a treatment for anal fissures, similar to calcium channel blockers, by relaxing the internal anal sphincter.
- It is typically considered when topical treatments have failed, but before surgical intervention, making it not the very first step in management.
*Tract curettage*
- **Tract curettage** is a procedure primarily used for treating **anal fistulas** or **pilonidal cysts/sinuses**, which are different conditions from an anal fissure.
- The patient had pilonidal sinus surgery previously, but his current symptoms are consistent with an anal fissure, not a recurrence of pilonidal disease or an anal fistula.
Quality of life considerations in cancer surgery US Medical PG Question 8: A 28-year-old male presents to his primary care physician with complaints of intermittent abdominal pain and alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea. His medical chart is not significant for any past medical problems or prior surgeries. He is not prescribed any current medications. Which of the following questions would be the most useful next question in eliciting further history from this patient?
- A. "Does the diarrhea typically precede the constipation, or vice-versa?"
- B. "Is the diarrhea foul-smelling?"
- C. "Please rate your abdominal pain on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the worst pain of your life"
- D. "Are the symptoms worse in the morning or at night?"
- E. "Can you tell me more about the symptoms you have been experiencing?" (Correct Answer)
Quality of life considerations in cancer surgery Explanation: ***Can you tell me more about the symptoms you have been experiencing?***
- This **open-ended question** encourages the patient to provide a **comprehensive narrative** of their symptoms, including details about onset, frequency, duration, alleviating/aggravating factors, and associated symptoms, which is crucial for diagnosis.
- In a patient presenting with vague, intermittent symptoms like alternating constipation and diarrhea, allowing them to elaborate freely can reveal important clues that might not be captured by more targeted questions.
*Does the diarrhea typically precede the constipation, or vice-versa?*
- While knowing the sequence of symptoms can be helpful in understanding the **pattern of bowel dysfunction**, it is a very specific question that might overlook other important aspects of the patient's experience.
- It prematurely narrows the focus without first obtaining a broad understanding of the patient's overall symptomatic picture.
*Is the diarrhea foul-smelling?*
- Foul-smelling diarrhea can indicate **malabsorption** or **bacterial overgrowth**, which are important to consider in some gastrointestinal conditions.
- However, this is a **specific symptom inquiry** that should follow a more general exploration of the patient's symptoms, as it may not be relevant if other crucial details are missed.
*Please rate your abdominal pain on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the worst pain of your life*
- Quantifying pain intensity is useful for assessing the **severity of discomfort** and monitoring changes over time.
- However, for a patient with intermittent rather than acute, severe pain, understanding the **character, location, and triggers** of the pain is often more diagnostically valuable than just a numerical rating initially.
*Are the symptoms worse in the morning or at night?*
- Diurnal variation can be relevant in certain conditions, such as inflammatory bowel diseases where nocturnal symptoms might be more concerning, or functional disorders whose symptoms might be stress-related.
- This is another **specific question** that should come after gathering a more complete initial picture of the patient's symptoms to ensure no key information is overlooked.
Quality of life considerations in cancer surgery US Medical PG Question 9: An obese 52-year-old man is brought to the emergency department because of increasing shortness of breath for the past 8 hours. Two months ago, he noticed a mass on the right side of his neck and was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer. He has smoked two packs of cigarettes daily for 27 years. He drinks two pints of rum daily. He appears ill. He is oriented to person, place, and time. His temperature is 37°C (98.6°F), pulse is 111/min, respirations are 34/min, and blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg. Pulse oximetry on room air shows an oxygen saturation of 89%. Examination shows a 9-cm, tender, firm subglottic mass on the right side of the neck. Cervical lymphadenopathy is present. His breathing is labored and he has audible inspiratory stridor but is able to answer questions. The lungs are clear to auscultation. Arterial blood gas analysis on room air shows:
pH 7.36
PCO2 45 mm Hg
PO2 74 mm Hg
HCO3- 25 mEq/L
He has no advanced directive. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?
- A. Comfort care measures
- B. Cricothyroidotomy (Correct Answer)
- C. Tracheostomy
- D. Intramuscular epinephrine
- E. Tracheal stenting
Quality of life considerations in cancer surgery Explanation: ***Correct: Cricothyroidotomy***
- This patient has **impending complete airway obstruction** evidenced by inspiratory stridor, severe tachypnea (34/min), hypoxia (O2 sat 89%), and a large obstructing laryngeal mass
- **Cricothyroidotomy** is the emergent surgical airway procedure of choice when there is **imminent or actual complete upper airway obstruction** and endotracheal intubation cannot be safely performed
- The subglottic mass makes endotracheal intubation **extremely dangerous** - instrumentation could precipitate complete obstruction and inability to ventilate
- Cricothyroidotomy provides **immediate airway access** (can be performed in 30-60 seconds) below the level of obstruction, making it life-saving in this emergency
- In the "cannot intubate, cannot ventilate" scenario, cricothyroidotomy is the definitive emergency intervention per ATLS and airway management guidelines
*Incorrect: Tracheostomy*
- While tracheostomy provides definitive airway management, it is a **controlled, elective procedure** typically performed in the OR that takes 20-30 minutes
- This patient requires **immediate airway access** - waiting for OR setup and performing tracheostomy risks complete airway collapse and death
- Tracheostomy may be performed later as a planned procedure once the airway is secured with cricothyroidotomy
- The presence of stridor indicates **critical airway narrowing** requiring emergency intervention, not elective surgery
*Incorrect: Comfort care measures*
- The patient is **alert and oriented** without an advanced directive indicating wishes for comfort care only
- This is an **acute, reversible condition** with appropriate emergency airway intervention
- Presumed consent applies in life-threatening emergencies when the patient cannot formally consent but intervention would be life-saving
- Comfort care would be inappropriate without documented patient wishes or irreversible terminal condition
*Incorrect: Intramuscular epinephrine*
- Epinephrine is indicated for **anaphylaxis** or angioedema causing airway edema from allergic/inflammatory mechanisms
- This patient has **mechanical obstruction** from a solid tumor mass, which will not respond to epinephrine
- Epinephrine causes vasoconstriction and reduces mucosal edema but cannot reduce tumor mass
- Would delay definitive airway management and not address the underlying problem
*Incorrect: Tracheal stenting*
- Tracheal stenting requires **bronchoscopy** in a controlled setting and is used for palliation of tracheal narrowing
- Cannot be performed emergently in an unstable patient with impending airway obstruction
- The obstruction is at the **laryngeal/subglottic level**, not typically amenable to emergency stenting
- Requires time for procedure setup and sedation, which this patient cannot afford given the critical airway emergency
Quality of life considerations in cancer surgery US Medical PG Question 10: A 38-year-old woman with BRCA1 mutation and strong family history of breast and ovarian cancer (mother and sister both affected) undergoes bilateral prophylactic mastectomy. Final pathology unexpectedly reveals a 0.6 cm focus of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in the right breast, high-grade, with clear margins. She has not yet undergone risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy. She desires breast reconstruction. Evaluate the comprehensive management strategy.
- A. No additional breast surgery needed; proceed with immediate reconstruction and discuss oophorectomy timing (Correct Answer)
- B. Radiation therapy to mastectomy site; delayed reconstruction; oophorectomy after radiation
- C. Observation of surgical site; proceed with reconstruction; defer oophorectomy until age 40
- D. Re-excision to wider margins; delayed reconstruction after confirming no invasion; immediate oophorectomy
- E. Genetic counseling; additional oncologic surgery consultation; defer all additional procedures
Quality of life considerations in cancer surgery Explanation: ***No additional breast surgery needed; proceed with immediate reconstruction and discuss oophorectomy timing***
- A **prophylactic mastectomy** effectively treats incidental **DCIS** when margins are clear, as the entire target tissue has been removed, eliminating the need for further excision.
- For **BRCA1 mutation** carriers, **risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO)** is a high priority usually recommended between ages 35-40, making its discussion essential in her comprehensive care.
*Radiation therapy to mastectomy site; delayed reconstruction; oophorectomy after radiation*
- **Radiation therapy** is not standard practice following a total mastectomy for **DCIS**, even in high-risk mutation carriers, if the margins are clear.
- **Delayed reconstruction** unnecessarily postpones the patient's aesthetic recovery without providing any oncologic benefit in the setting of non-invasive **DCIS**.
*Observation of surgical site; proceed with reconstruction; defer oophorectomy until age 40*
- While reconstruction is appropriate, deferring the discussion of **oophorectomy** until age 40 is risky for **BRCA1** patients, where the cancer risk rises significantly after age 35.
- **Risk management** for BRCA1 carriers must prioritize the **ovaries and fallopian tubes**, as there are no effective screening methods for ovarian cancer compared to breast cancer.
*Re-excision to wider margins; delayed reconstruction after confirming no invasion; immediate oophorectomy*
- **Re-excision** is impossible and unnecessary because a **total mastectomy** has already removed the breast envelope and the primary site of the DCIS.
- Incidental **DCIS** does not preclude **immediate reconstruction**, and forcing a delay would result in more complex secondary surgeries without improving survival.
*Genetic counseling; additional oncologic surgery consultation; defer all additional procedures*
- **Genetic counseling** has already occurred given the documented **BRCA1 mutation** status; repeating it delays necessary clinical intervention.
- Deferring all additional procedures is inappropriate because the patient is in the optimal window for **prophylactic oophorectomy** and desires reconstruction.
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