UPSC-CMS 2023 - Pathology PYQs Practice Questions

Q: Basophilic stippling of the RBCs is a sensitive index of

Lead poisoning. ***Correct: Lead poisoning*** - **Basophilic stippling** is a classic and sensitive hematologic finding in lead poisoning [1] - Results from inhibition of **pyrimidine 5'-nucleotidase**, which impairs RNA degradation in red blood cells - The presence of these **ribonucleoprotein granules** indicates defective heme synthesis and red cell maturation due to lead toxicity [1] - Other findings in lead poisoning include microcytic anemia and increased zinc protoporphyrin [1] *Incorrect: Silicosis* - A **lung disease** caused by inhaling **silica dust**, leading to pulmonary fibrosis and nodular lesions [2] - Does not primarily affect red blood cell morphology or cause basophilic stippling - Findings are limited to the respiratory system *Incorrect: Asbestosis* - A chronic **lung disease** caused by inhaling **asbestos fibers**, resulting in pulmonary fibrosis [2] - Does not directly cause changes in red blood cell morphology such as basophilic stippling - Associated with pleural plaques and increased risk of mesothelioma [2] *Incorrect: Arsenic poisoning* - Can cause various hematologic abnormalities including **anemia** and **pancytopenia** - **Not typically associated** with prominent basophilic stippling as a key diagnostic feature - Neurological symptoms (peripheral neuropathy), gastrointestinal symptoms, and dermatological findings (Mees' lines, hyperpigmentation) are more characteristic **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Infectious Diseases, pp. 418-420. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Lung, pp. 695-699. [Practice more Pathology PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: The term "Gompertzian curve" is related to which one of the following ?

Tumour. ***Correct Option: Tumour*** - The **Gompertzian curve** describes the growth pattern of tumors, characterized by an initial exponential growth phase followed by a deceleration of growth as the tumor size increases - This deceleration occurs due to limiting factors like **nutrient supply, oxygen availability, and accumulation of waste products** - This model is widely used in **oncology** to understand tumor kinetics, predict responses to treatment, and explain why smaller tumors respond better to chemotherapy than larger ones - The concept is fundamental in understanding **tumor doubling time** and **fractional cell kill hypothesis** in cancer therapy *Incorrect Option: Intestinal obstruction* - **Intestinal obstruction** refers to a mechanical or functional blockage in the intestine - Its clinical course is acute and does not follow a growth curve model - The progression is determined by the degree and location of obstruction, not by cellular proliferation kinetics *Incorrect Option: Gallstone* - A **gallstone** is a hardened deposit of digestive fluid that forms in the gallbladder - Gallstone formation involves bile supersaturation and precipitation of cholesterol or bilirubin, not cellular growth - Its development does not follow the Gompertzian pattern of exponential growth followed by plateau *Incorrect Option: Hernia* - A **hernia** occurs when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weakness in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue - Hernia development is a **structural/anatomical defect**, not a process involving cellular proliferation - It does not involve growth kinetics and is unrelated to the Gompertzian curve concept [Practice more Pathology PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: "Collar-stud" abscess is seen in :

Tuberculosis. ***Tuberculosis*** - A "**collar-stud**" abscess is a classic presentation of **tuberculous lymphadenitis**, particularly in the neck. - This type of abscess forms when pus from an infected deep lymph node erodes through the deep fascia but is contained by the superficial fascia, creating a dumbbell or "collar-stud" shape. *Lymphomatous degeneration* - **Lymphomatous degeneration** refers to the transformation of a benign lymphoid process into lymphoma. - While lymph nodes are involved, it typically presents as **lymphadenopathy** (enlargement of lymph nodes) and does not characteristically form an abscess with this specific morphology. *Pseudomonas infection* - **Pseudomonas infections** can cause abscesses, especially in immunocompromised individuals or associated with contaminated wounds or medical devices. - However, they do not specifically form a "**collar-stud**" abscess, which is a hallmark of tuberculous infection of lymph nodes. *Streptococcal infection* - **Streptococcal infections** frequently cause cellulitis, erysipelas, and various forms of abscesses, such as peritonsillar or skin abscesses. - While streptococci can cause **suppurative lymphadenitis**, they do not typically produce the distinctive "**collar-stud**" morphology seen in tuberculosis. [Practice more Pathology PYQs on OnCourse]

Q: Which of the following statements are correct with regard to Familial Adenomatous Polyposis ? 1. It is associated with mutation of APC gene located on the long arm of chromosome 5. 2. It is inherited as an autosomal recessive condition. 3. It is associated with 100% lifetime risk for development of Colorectal carcinoma. 4. Congenital hypertrophy of retinal pigment epithelium is present in half of the cases of familial adenomatous polyposis. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1, 3 and 4. ***1, 3 and 4*** - Familial Adenomatous Polyposis is indeed associated with a mutation in the **APC gene** located on the **short arm of chromosome 5 (5q21-q22)** and carries a **nearly 100% lifetime risk** of developing colorectal carcinoma if left untreated [1]. - **Congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (CHRPE)**, also known as bear claw lesions, is a characteristic extracolonic manifestation observed in approximately half of FAP patients, though it does not usually affect vision. *1, 2 and 3* - This option is incorrect because FAP is inherited as an **autosomal dominant** condition, not autosomal recessive. - Statement 2, claiming autosomal recessive inheritance, is false, rendering this combination incorrect. *2, 3 and 4* - This option incorrectly states that FAP is inherited as an **autosomal recessive** condition. It is an autosomal dominant disorder. - While statements 3 and 4 are correct, the inclusion of statement 2 makes this option invalid. *1, 2 and 4* - This option is incorrect due to the assertion that FAP is an **autosomal recessive** condition (statement 2). - FAP is correctly linked to the APC gene mutation (statement 1) and CHRPE (statement 4), but the inheritance pattern given here is wrong. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Gastrointestinal Tract, pp. 821-822. [Practice more Pathology PYQs on OnCourse]

Question 1

The histological grade best correlates with the prognosis in which one of the following malignancies?

Accepted Answer

Soft tissue sarcoma

Answer

Melanoma

Answer

Colonic adenocarcinoma

Answer

Prostate cancer

Question 2

Basophilic stippling of the RBCs is a sensitive index of

Accepted Answer

Lead poisoning

Answer

Silicosis

Answer

Asbestosis

Answer

Arsenic poisoning

Question 3

The term "Gompertzian curve" is related to which one of the following ?

Accepted Answer

Tumour

Answer

Intestinal obstruction

Answer

Gallstone

Answer

Hernia

Question 4

"Collar-stud" abscess is seen in :

Accepted Answer

Tuberculosis

Answer

Lymphomatous degeneration

Answer

Pseudomonas infection

Answer

Streptococcal infection

Question 5

Which of the following statements are correct with regard to Familial Adenomatous Polyposis ?

1. It is associated with mutation of APC gene located on the long arm of chromosome 5.
2. It is inherited as an autosomal recessive condition.
3. It is associated with 100% lifetime risk for development of Colorectal carcinoma.
4. Congenital hypertrophy of retinal pigment epithelium is present in half of the cases of familial adenomatous polyposis.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Accepted Answer

1, 3 and 4

Answer

1, 2 and 3

Answer

2, 3 and 4

Answer

1, 2 and 4

Question 6

Masaoka staging is used for staging:

Accepted Answer

Thymoma

Answer

Germ cell tumours

Answer

Neurogenic tumours

Answer

Lymphoma

Question 7

Ischemia-Reperfusion syndrome is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Hypoxia and activation of inflammation

Answer

Thrombo embolic angiopathy

Answer

Build up of bicarbonate and Na+ ions

Answer

Acute mesenteric thrombosis

Question 8

'Schiller-Duval body' is a characteristic histological feature of which one of the following cancers?

Accepted Answer

Endodermal sinus tumour

Answer

Non-gestational ovarian choriocarcinoma

Answer

Dysgerminoma

Answer

Sex cord stromal tumours

Question 9

Which among the following has two general phases - first, simple pneumoconiosis and a second phase characterized by progressive massive fibrosis (PMF)?

Accepted Answer

Anthracosis

Answer

Bagassosis

Answer

Byssinosis

Answer

Siderosis

UPSC-CMS 2023 — Pathology