Occupational Cancers — MCQs

10 questions

Cadmium can cause all cancer except -

A 45-year-old man who works in a textile company visited hospital for routine health check-up. He prepares dyes in the company for the last 18 years. Which of the following investigation would you recommend for this patient?

Primordial prevention in myocardial infarction is all except -

The carcinogenic chemical that has a very long latent period is –

Mesothelioma is closely associated with which of the following?

Which of the following is more prone to produce mesothelioma?

Match the following: A) Caplan syndrome- 1) Found first in coal worker B) Asbestosis- 2) Upper lobe predominance C) Mesothelioma- 3) Involves lower lobe D) Sarcoidosis- 4) Pleural effusion is seen

With reference to occupational cancers, consider the following statements : 1. Skin cancer is a common occupational hazard in workers employed in nickel and chromium work. 2. Cancer bladder is an occupational hazard in workers employed in dye-stuffs and dyeing industry. 3. Leukaemia can occur on long exposure to benzol. 4. Lung cancer is typically found in workers employed in electric cable industries. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

Which of the following is not considered an occupational cancer?

Q10

Occupational cancer involves the following organs, except:

Occupational Cancers Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 1: Cadmium can cause all cancer except -

A. Skin (Correct Answer)
B. Lung
C. Pancreas
D. Prostate

Explanation: ***Skin*** - While cadmium is a known carcinogen, there is **no consistent evidence** linking it directly to an increased risk of **skin cancer**. - Skin cancer is primarily associated with **ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure**. *Lung* - Cadmium exposure, particularly through **inhalation (e.g., occupational exposure)**, is strongly linked to an increased risk of **lung cancer**. - It is classified as a **Group 1 carcinogen** by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) for lung cancer. *Pancreas* - Epidemiological studies have found a correlation between **cadmium exposure** and an elevated risk of **pancreatic cancer**. - The exact mechanism is still being investigated, but it is considered a probable human carcinogen for the pancreas. *Prostate* - Several studies suggest a link between **cadmium exposure and prostate cancer**, especially in occupational settings. - Cadmium tends to accumulate in the prostate gland and may interfere with **hormonal regulation**, contributing to carcinogenesis.

Question 2: A 45-year-old man who works in a textile company visited hospital for routine health check-up. He prepares dyes in the company for the last 18 years. Which of the following investigation would you recommend for this patient?

A. Pulmonary function tests
B. Complete blood count
C. Liver function tests
D. Urine examination (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Urine examination*** - Working in a textile company, especially with dyes, for 18 years significantly increases the risk of exposure to **aromatic amines**, which are established occupational carcinogens. - Exposure to **aromatic amines** is strongly linked to an increased risk of **bladder cancer**, making a periodic urine examination, including cytology, crucial for early detection. *Pulmonary function tests* - While textile workers can be exposed to **fibers and dusts** causing respiratory issues like byssinosis, the primary and most concerning risk associated with **dye exposure** is bladder cancer, not lung function impairment. - PFTs would be more relevant if there were specific respiratory symptoms or exposure to known **pneumoconiosis-causing contaminants**. *Complete blood count* - A CBC might detect hematological abnormalities, but it is not the most targeted or sensitive investigation for early detection of **dye-related occupational diseases**, particularly bladder cancer. - While some chemicals can affect blood cell production, the prominent carcinogenic risk here points elsewhere. *Liver function tests* - Some industrial chemicals can cause **liver toxicity**, but the most prominent and direct organ-specific cancer risk associated with long-term exposure to textile dyes containing aromatic amines is to the bladder. - LFTs would be relevant if there were signs or symptoms of **hepatic dysfunction**, but they don't address the primary cancer risk in this scenario.

Question 3: Primordial prevention in myocardial infarction is all except -

A. Change in life style
B. Change in Nutritional habits
C. Maintenance of normal body weight
D. Screening for hypertension (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Screening for hypertension*** - **Screening for hypertension** falls under **primary prevention**, as it aims to detect and treat a risk factor in individuals who have already developed a predisposition to the disease. - **Primordial prevention** focuses on preventing the development of risk factors themselves, rather than detecting them once they've emerged. *Change in life style* - **Lifestyle changes** such as promoting regular physical activity and avoiding smoking are key components of **primordial prevention**, preventing the development of risk factors like obesity and hypertension. - These interventions aim to stop risk factors from even appearing in healthy populations. *Change in Nutritional habits* - Promoting **healthy nutritional habits** from an early age is a fundamental strategy in **primordial prevention**, aiming to prevent the development of conditions like obesity and hyperlipidemia. - This proactive approach seeks to establish healthy patterns before disease risk factors take hold. *Maintenance of normal body weight* - Encouraging and supporting the **maintenance of normal body weight** in the general population is a classic example of **primordial prevention**. - This prevents the emergence of obesity, a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases like myocardial infarction.

Question 4: The carcinogenic chemical that has a very long latent period is –

A. Benzopyrene
B. Asbestos (Correct Answer)
C. Vinyl chloride
D. Estrogens

Explanation: ***Asbestos*** - Asbestos exposure is famously associated with a **very long latent period** (often 20-50 years) before the development of cancers like **mesothelioma** and lung cancer. - This characteristic makes it challenging to link past exposure directly to current disease, leading to significant public health and legal implications. *Benzopyrene* - Benzopyrene (a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon found in cigarette smoke and industrial emissions) is a potent carcinogen, but its latency period, while significant, is generally shorter than that of asbestos. - It is primarily associated with **lung cancer** and other cancers related to direct exposure. *Vinyl chloride* - Vinyl chloride is a well-known carcinogen, primarily implicated in **hepatic angiosarcoma**; however, its latent period is typically shorter than that observed with asbestos exposure. - Exposure is usually occupational, and the associated cancers often manifest within 10-20 years. *Estrogens* - Estrogens, particularly prolonged or unopposed exposure (e.g., in some hormone replacement therapies or conditions like obesity), are linked to an increased risk of **endometrial** and **breast cancers**. - While these cancers have latent periods, they are generally not as exceptionally long as those associated with asbestos.

Question 5: Mesothelioma is closely associated with which of the following?

A. Silicosis
B. Anthracosis
C. Byssinosis
D. Asbestosis (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Asbestosis*** - Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer of the **pleura** or **peritoneum**, and its strongest known etiological link is with **asbestos exposure**. - Asbestos fibers can become lodged in the lungs and pleural lining, leading to chronic inflammation, DNA damage, and eventually oncogenic transformation. *Silicosis* - **Silicosis** is a lung disease caused by inhaling **crystalline silica dust**, primarily affecting miners, construction workers, and foundry workers. - While it can lead to pulmonary fibrosis and an increased risk of tuberculosis and lung cancer, it is not directly associated with mesothelioma. *Anthracosis* - **Anthracosis** is often seen in coal miners and urban dwellers due to the inhalation of **carbon dust**, leading to the accumulation of pigment in the lungs. - This condition is generally benign but can contribute to the development of **coal worker's pneumoconiosis**, which is distinct from mesothelioma. *Byssinosis* - **Byssinosis** is an occupational lung disease caused by the inhalation of **cotton dust** or other textile dusts, typically affecting textile workers. - Symptoms include chest tightness and shortness of breath, particularly after beginning work after a break, and it is unrelated to mesothelioma.

Question 6: Which of the following is more prone to produce mesothelioma?

A. Crocidolite (Correct Answer)
B. Anthophyllite
C. Chrysotile
D. Amosite (Brown asbestos)

Explanation: ***Crocidolite*** - Crocidolite, or **blue asbestos**, is the most hazardous type of asbestos linked to **mesothelioma** [1][2]. - Its **fibrous nature** and high durability result in significant inhalation exposure, increasing cancer risk. *Chrysolite* - Also known as **white asbestos**; is the least carcinogenic and less associated with mesothelioma compared to other asbestos types. - Primarily used in **ceiling tiles** and insulation, exposure levels are typically lower. *Anthophyllite* - Rarely used commercially and associated with a **lower incidence** of cancer compared to crocidolite or amosite. - Its exposure is more commonly linked to **contaminated talc**, not significant for mesothelioma. *Amosite* - Known as **brown asbestos**; while associated with lung cancer, it is less frequently linked to mesothelioma than crocidolite. - It poses risks primarily through prolonged exposure in industrial settings, but is not the most potent carcinogen for mesothelioma. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Lung, pp. 697-698. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Respiratory Tract Disease, pp. 339-340.

Question 7: Match the following: A) Caplan syndrome- 1) Found first in coal worker B) Asbestosis- 2) Upper lobe predominance C) Mesothelioma- 3) Involves lower lobe D) Sarcoidosis- 4) Pleural effusion is seen

A. A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1
B. A-1, B-4, C-3, D-2 (Correct Answer)
C. A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1
D. A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1

Explanation: **A-1, B-4, C-3, D-2** - **Caplan syndrome** was first described in **coal workers** with **rheumatoid arthritis** and progressive massive fibrosis. - **Asbestosis** is often associated with **pleural effusion**, which can be benign or malignant. - **Mesothelioma** typically involves the **lower lobes** of the lungs, specifically the pleura, and is strongly linked to asbestos exposure. - **Sarcoidosis** is characterized by **non-caseating granulomas**, which have a predilection for the **upper lobes** of the lungs. *A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1* - This option incorrectly states that Caplan syndrome involves the lower lobe; **Caplan syndrome** is defined by the presence of large nodules in the lungs of coal workers with rheumatoid arthritis, and their specific lobar distribution is not a defining characteristic. - This option incorrectly states that Mesothelioma has an upper lobe predominance; **Mesothelioma** is a pleural malignancy and typically involves the **lower lobes**, extending along the pleura. *A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1* - This option incorrectly associates Caplan syndrome with pleural effusion; **Caplan syndrome** manifests as rheumatoid nodules in the lungs, not primarily pleural effusion. - This option incorrectly states that Asbestosis has an upper lobe predominance; **Asbestosis** predominantly affects the **lower lobes** of the lungs, causing interstitial fibrosis. *A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1* - This option incorrectly states that Caplan syndrome has an upper lobe predominance; the defining feature of **Caplan syndrome** is the combination of rheumatoid arthritis and pneumoconiosis, not specific lobar involvement. - This option correctly identifies pleural effusion with asbestosis and lower lobe involvement with mesothelioma, but **Caplan syndrome** is not characterized by upper lobe predominance.

Question 8: With reference to occupational cancers, consider the following statements : 1. Skin cancer is a common occupational hazard in workers employed in nickel and chromium work. 2. Cancer bladder is an occupational hazard in workers employed in dye-stuffs and dyeing industry. 3. Leukaemia can occur on long exposure to benzol. 4. Lung cancer is typically found in workers employed in electric cable industries. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

A. 1, 2 and 3 only (Correct Answer)
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1 and 4 only

Explanation: ***1, 2 and 3 only*** - **Skin cancer** is a well-documented occupational hazard for workers exposed to compounds like **nickel and chromium**, which are known **carcinogens**. - **Bladder cancer** is strongly linked to exposure to aromatic amines found in **dye-stuffs and the dyeing industry**. - **Leukaemia** is a known risk associated with prolonged exposure to **benzene (benzol)**, a common industrial solvent. *1 and 2 only* - This option is incomplete as it correctly identifies the link between **skin cancer** and nickel/chromium exposure, and **bladder cancer** and dye-stuffs, but it omits the correct association of **leukaemia** with benzene exposure. - The statement regarding **lung cancer** in electric cable industries is generally incorrect, as lung cancer is typically associated with other occupational exposures like **asbestos** or **radon**. *2 and 3 only* - While statements 2 and 3 are correct regarding **bladder cancer** in dye industries and **leukaemia** from benzene, this option incorrectly excludes the statement about **skin cancer** in nickel and chromium work, which is also accurate. - It does not encompass all the correct occupational cancer associations presented. *1 and 4 only* - This option includes the correct association of **skin cancer** with nickel and chromium. - However, the statement regarding **lung cancer** in workers employed in electric cable industries is generally **false**, as this industry is not typically associated with a high incidence of lung cancer compared to other occupational carcinogens.

Question 9: Which of the following is not considered an occupational cancer?

A. Lung
B. Breast (Correct Answer)
C. Liver
D. Bladder

Explanation: ***Breast*** - Breast cancer has a **limited association** with occupational exposure compared to other cancers [1], mainly influenced by genetic and hormonal factors. - While some studies suggest minor correlations, the **impact of environment** and occupation is considerably less significant for breast cancer. *Bladder* - Strongly linked to **aromatic amines** from dyes and rubber manufacturing [2], as well as exposures to **chemical irritants**. - The **occupational risk** is well-documented, particularly among workers in the chemical industry [1]. *Liver* - Associated with **chemical exposures** such as aflatoxins and certain industrial solvents, particularly in the manufacturing and agriculture sectors. - Significant occupational hazards, like **vinyl chloride**, have demonstrated a clear link to liver cancer [2]. *Lung* - Closely tied to **asbestos** [1][3], **smoke**, and other pollutants, highlighting the role of industrial environments in increasing risk. - **Occupational exposure** remains a major contributor to lung cancer rates, particularly in mining and construction [1]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Neoplasia, p. 286. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. (Basic Pathology) introduces the student to key general principles of pathology, both as a medical science and as a clinical activity with a vital role in patient care. Part 2 (Disease Mechanisms) provides fundamental knowledge about the cellular and molecular processes involved in diseases, providing the rationale for their treatment. Part 3 (Systematic Pathology) deals in detail with specific diseases, with emphasis on the clinically important aspects., pp. 217-218. [3] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. (Basic Pathology) introduces the student to key general principles of pathology, both as a medical science and as a clinical activity with a vital role in patient care. Part 2 (Disease Mechanisms) provides fundamental knowledge about the cellular and molecular processes involved in diseases, providing the rationale for their treatment. Part 3 (Systematic Pathology) deals in detail with specific diseases, with emphasis on the clinically important aspects., pp. 221-222.

Question 10: Occupational cancer involves the following organs, except:

A. Bladder
B. Liver
C. Breast (Correct Answer)
D. Lung

Explanation: ***Breast*** - While breast cancer is a significant health concern, it is not consistently recognized as a primary site for **occupational cancer** directly linked to specific workplace exposures. - The major risk factors for breast cancer are typically **hormonal**, **genetic**, and related to **lifestyle**, rather than occupational carcinogens. *Lung* - The **lung** is a well-established site for occupational cancer, commonly associated with exposure to carcinogens like **asbestos**, **radon**, **silica**, and **polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)**. - Industries such as mining, construction, and manufacturing have a higher risk of lung cancer due to inhaled occupational hazards. *Bladder* - The **bladder** is a recognized site for occupational cancer, particularly for workers exposed to **aromatic amines** and **benzidine-based dyes**. - Occupations in the chemical, rubber, and dye industries have historically shown increased rates of bladder cancer. *Liver* - The **liver** can be affected by occupational carcinogens such as **vinyl chloride** (leading to angiosarcoma of the liver) and **arsenic**. - Workers in plastics manufacturing and those exposed to certain industrial chemicals are at higher risk for liver cancers.

Want unlimited practice?

Get full access to all questions, explanations, and performance tracking.

Start For Free