UPSC-CMS 2012 - Pathology PYQs Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following breast cancers is most often bilateral ?

Lobular carcinoma of the breast. ***Lobular carcinoma of the breast*** - **Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC)** is the breast cancer subtype most frequently associated with **bilateral disease**, occurring in 5% to 28% of cases. [1] - This higher rate of bilaterality is partly due to the diffuse growth pattern of lobular carcinoma, which can make it more challenging to detect and may lead to synchronous or metachronous involvement of both breasts. [1] *Medullary carcinoma of the breast* - **Medullary carcinoma** is a rare and often well-circumscribed type of breast cancer that typically presents as a solitary mass and is not characteristically bilateral. [1] - It has a generally better prognosis than other invasive ductal carcinomas and is often associated with a BRCA1 mutation. [1] *Ductal carcinoma of the breast* - **Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)**, also known as no special type (NST), is the most common form of breast cancer, but it is less frequently bilateral than lobular carcinoma. [1] - While bilateral IDC can occur, it is a less defining characteristic compared to ILC. *Colloid carcinoma of the breast* - **Colloid (mucinous) carcinoma** is a distinct and relatively rare subtype of invasive ductal carcinoma, characterized by tumor cells floating in pools of mucin. - It usually presents as a solitary mass and is not known for a higher incidence of bilaterality. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Liver And Biliary System Disease, pp. 454-456. [Practice more Pathology PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Which one of the following statements regarding seminoma testis is correct ?

It is the most common type of testicular cancer. ***It is the most common type of testicular cancer*** - **Seminoma** accounts for approximately **50% of all germ cell tumors** of the testis, making it the most common type [1]. - It typically affects men between the ages of **30 and 40 years**. *It frequently metastasizes to the liver and bones* - While seminoma can metastasize, its most common sites of spread are the **retroperitoneal lymph nodes** first, then distant sites like the lungs [2]. - Metastasis to the **liver and bones** is less frequent, especially in earlier stages. *Its five-year survival rates approach 50 per cent* - **Seminoma** generally has an **excellent prognosis**, with 5-year survival rates ranging from **95% for localized disease** to about 70-80% for metastatic disease [1]. - A 50% survival rate is significantly lower than actual outcomes for seminoma. *It does not respond to radiation* - **Seminoma is highly radiosensitive**, making radiation therapy a cornerstone of treatment for localized disease and regional lymph node involvement. - This characteristic distinguishes it from non-seminomatous germ cell tumors, which are generally less responsive to radiation. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Lower Urinary Tract and Male Genital System, pp. 979-984. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Diseases Of The Urinary And Male Genital Tracts, pp. 510-512. [Practice more Pathology PYQs on OnCourse]

Question 1

Which of the following breast cancers is most often bilateral ?

Accepted Answer

Lobular carcinoma of the breast

Answer

Medullary carcinoma of the breast

Answer

Ductal carcinoma of the breast

Answer

Colloid carcinoma of the breast

Question 2

Which one of the following statements regarding seminoma testis is correct ?

Accepted Answer

It is the most common type of testicular cancer

Answer

It frequently metastasizes to the liver and bones

Answer

Its five-year survival rates approach 50 per cent

Answer

It does not respond to radiation

UPSC-CMS 2012 — Pathology