Gynecologic Oncology Practice Questions

Q: Long-term use of tamoxifen is associated with an increased risk of which of the following?

Endometrial cancer. **Explanation:** **Tamoxifen** is a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) used primarily in the treatment and prophylaxis of breast cancer. Its effect is tissue-specific: it acts as an **estrogen antagonist** in breast tissue (inhibiting tumor growth) but acts as an **estrogen agonist** in the uterus. 1. **Why Endometrial Cancer is Correct:** Because of its agonistic (pro-estrogenic) effect on the endometrium, long-term tamoxifen use leads to endometrial proliferation, hyperplasia, and an increased risk of **endometrial adenocarcinoma** (typically Type I, endometrioid). The risk is dose and duration-dependent, generally increasing after 2 years of use. 2. **Why Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Ovarian Cancer:** Tamoxifen does not have a significant stimulatory effect on the ovarian epithelium; in fact, some studies suggest it may have a protective or neutral effect. * **Cervical and Vaginal Cancer:** These are primarily associated with High-Risk HPV infection (Cervical) or DES exposure in utero (Clear cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina), rather than systemic estrogenic stimulation from SERMs. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Monitoring:** Asymptomatic women on tamoxifen do **not** require routine ultrasound or endometrial biopsy. However, any **postmenopausal bleeding** or abnormal spotting must be investigated immediately with a transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) and biopsy. * **Other Side Effects:** Increased risk of **Thromboembolism** (DVT/PE), stroke, and cataracts. It also causes vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes). * **Alternative:** In postmenopausal women, **Aromatase Inhibitors** (e.g., Anastrozole) are often preferred as they do not increase endometrial cancer risk. * **Raloxifene:** Another SERM used for osteoporosis; unlike tamoxifen, it is an estrogen antagonist in the uterus and does **not** increase the risk of endometrial cancer.

Q: Serum alpha-fetoprotein level is elevated in which of the following conditions?

Endodermal sinus tumor. **Explanation:** The correct answer is **Endodermal sinus tumor (Yolk Sac Tumor)**. **1. Why Endodermal Sinus Tumor is correct:** Endodermal sinus tumors are highly aggressive germ cell tumors that histologically recapitulate the extra-embryonic yolk sac. Since the fetal yolk sac is the primary site of **Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP)** synthesis, these tumors characteristically produce high levels of AFP. This marker is highly specific and sensitive for this condition, making it essential for diagnosis and monitoring treatment response. A classic histological finding is the **Schiller-Duval body**. **2. Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **A. Dysgerminoma:** This is the most common malignant germ cell tumor. Its characteristic markers are **LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase)** and sometimes hCG (if syncytiotrophoblast giant cells are present), but never AFP. * **C. Immature Teratoma:** These tumors are composed of tissues from all three germ layers. While they may occasionally show mild elevations of AFP if they contain yolk sac elements, the primary marker associated with neural elements in these tumors is **AFP is usually normal** unless mixed components exist. * **D. Choriocarcinoma:** This tumor arises from trophoblastic tissue and is characterized by extremely high levels of **beta-hCG**. It does not produce AFP. **3. High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Yolk Sac Tumor:** Most common germ cell tumor in children; AFP is the hallmark marker. * **Mixed Germ Cell Tumors:** If a patient has elevations in both AFP and hCG, suspect a mixed germ cell tumor. * **Summary Table of Markers:** * **Dysgerminoma:** LDH, placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP). * **Yolk Sac Tumor:** AFP. * **Choriocarcinoma:** beta-hCG. * **Granulosa Cell Tumor:** Inhibin (Sex cord-stromal tumor).

Q: What is the most common germ cell tumor of the ovary?

Teratoma. **Explanation:** Ovarian germ cell tumors (OGCTs) arise from the primordial germ cells of the ovary. Among all ovarian neoplasms, germ cell tumors account for approximately 15–20%. **Why Teratoma is correct:** The **Mature Cystic Teratoma (Dermoid Cyst)** is the most common germ cell tumor of the ovary, accounting for approximately 95% of all OGCTs. It is a benign tumor containing tissues from all three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm). It is most frequently diagnosed in women of reproductive age. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **A. Dysgerminoma:** While this is the most common **malignant** germ cell tumor of the ovary, it is far less common than the benign mature cystic teratoma. It is the ovarian counterpart to the testicular seminoma. * **C. Endodermal Sinus Tumor (Yolk Sac Tumor):** This is the second most common malignant germ cell tumor. It is highly aggressive and characterized by elevated **Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP)** levels and the presence of **Schiller-Duval bodies** on histology. * **D. Clear Cell Tumor:** This is a subtype of **Epithelial Ovarian Cancer**, not a germ cell tumor. It is frequently associated with endometriosis. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **Most common ovarian tumor overall:** Serous cystadenoma (Epithelial). * **Most common malignant germ cell tumor:** Dysgerminoma. * **Tumor Marker for Dysgerminoma:** LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase). * **Struma Ovarii:** A specialized teratoma composed predominantly of thyroid tissue, which can lead to hyperthyroidism. * **Rokidansky’s Protuberance:** A solid prominence within a dermoid cyst where hair and teeth are often found.

Q: Which of the following is a predisposing factor to carcinoma of the endometrium?

Diabetes Mellitus. **Explanation:** Carcinoma of the endometrium is primarily a disease of **"unopposed estrogen."** Any condition that increases exposure to estrogen without the balancing effect of progesterone increases the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and subsequent malignancy. **Why Diabetes Mellitus is correct:** Diabetes Mellitus is a well-established risk factor for endometrial cancer. The underlying mechanism involves **hyperinsulinemia** and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which have mitogenic effects on the endometrium. Furthermore, diabetes is frequently associated with obesity; in obese postmenopausal women, adipose tissue contains the enzyme **aromatase**, which converts adrenal androgens (androstenedione) into **estrone** (a weak estrogen), leading to chronic endometrial stimulation. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **Multiparity:** Pregnancy is a high-progesterone state that "protects" the endometrium. Therefore, **nulliparity** is the risk factor, while multiparity is protective. * **Early marriage:** This is a risk factor for **Cervical Cancer** (due to early sexual debut and HPV exposure), not endometrial cancer. * **Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs):** Combined OCPs contain progesterone, which causes endometrial atrophy. Using OCPs for 12 months reduces the risk of endometrial cancer by 50%, and this protection lasts for years after discontinuation. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **Corpus Cancer Syndrome (Triad):** Obesity, Hypertension, and Diabetes Mellitus. * **Most common histological type:** Endometrioid adenocarcinoma (Type I). * **Protective factors:** Smoking (decreases estrogen levels, though harmful otherwise), OCPs, and high parity. * **Lynch Syndrome (HNPCC):** The most common genetic predisposition; women have a 40-60% lifetime risk of endometrial cancer.

Q: Which of the following most commonly causes intraorbital metastasis in females?

Breast cancer. **Explanation:** **1. Why Breast Cancer is Correct:** Breast cancer is the most common primary malignancy to metastasize to the orbit in females, accounting for approximately **60–70% of all orbital metastases**. The hematogenous spread occurs via the systemic circulation. Clinically, these metastases often present with proptosis, ophthalmoplegia (due to extraocular muscle involvement), or enophthalmos (specifically in scirrhous carcinoma of the breast due to cicatrization). In many cases, orbital symptoms may be the first sign of an undiagnosed primary breast tumor. **2. Why Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Cervical, Ovarian, and Endometrial Cancers:** While these gynecological malignancies are common, they rarely metastasize to the orbit. Their typical routes of spread are local invasion or lymphatic dissemination to pelvic and para-aortic nodes. Hematogenous spread to distant sites like the brain or orbit is an extremely late-stage event and is statistically far less frequent than breast cancer. **3. High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Overall:** Breast cancer is the #1 cause of orbital metastasis in **females**; Lung cancer is the #1 cause in **males**. * **Pediatrics:** Neuroblastoma is the most common primary tumor causing orbital metastasis in children (often presenting with "raccoon eyes"). * **Site:** The most common site for orbital metastasis is the **extraocular muscles** and the **orbital fat**, rather than the globe itself. * **Diagnosis:** MRI is the imaging modality of choice, but a biopsy is definitive if the primary is unknown. * **Treatment:** Palliative radiotherapy is the mainstay for symptomatic orbital metastasis.

Q: Which of the following is the treatment of choice for choriocarcinoma in a middle-aged woman?

Chemotherapy. **Explanation:** Choriocarcinoma is a highly malignant, epithelial tumor arising from the chorionic villi. It is classified as a **Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia (GTN)**. **1. Why Chemotherapy is the Correct Answer:** Choriocarcinoma is uniquely characterized by its extreme sensitivity to cytotoxic drugs. Even in cases of widespread metastasis (e.g., to the lungs or brain), it remains highly curable with chemotherapy. It is one of the few solid tumors where chemotherapy is the **primary and definitive treatment**, regardless of the patient's age. Treatment is stratified based on the FIGO/WHO scoring system: * **Low-risk:** Single-agent chemotherapy (usually Methotrexate or Actinomycin-D). * **High-risk:** Multi-agent chemotherapy (EMA-CO regimen). **2. Why Other Options are Incorrect:** * **A. Dilatation and Evacuation:** While D&E is the treatment of choice for *Hydatidiform Mole*, it is contraindicated in choriocarcinoma due to the high risk of uterine perforation and severe hemorrhage, as the tumor is highly vascular and invasive. * **B. Hysterectomy:** Surgery is generally not the primary treatment because the disease is systemic. However, it may be considered as an *adjuvant* therapy in older women who have completed their family to reduce tumor burden or in cases of chemoresistance/uncontrolled uterine bleeding. * **C. Radiotherapy:** Choriocarcinoma is primarily a chemo-sensitive disease. Radiotherapy has a very limited role, reserved occasionally for brain or liver metastases. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Tumor Marker:** Serum **β-hCG** is the most sensitive marker for diagnosis and monitoring. * **Common Site of Metastasis:** The **Lungs** (presents as "cannon-ball" appearances on X-ray). * **Diagnosis:** Unlike other cancers, choriocarcinoma is often diagnosed based on elevated β-hCG levels and clinical findings; **biopsy is generally avoided** due to the risk of life-threatening hemorrhage.

Q: What is the recent biomarker for early detection of surface epithelial tumours of the ovary?

Ca 125. **Explanation:** **CA-125 (Cancer Antigen 125)** is the most established and widely used biomarker for the screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of **surface epithelial tumors** of the ovary (specifically serous cystadenocarcinoma). It is a high-molecular-weight glycoprotein produced by derivatives of the coelomic epithelium (pleura, pericardium, and peritoneum). While its sensitivity in early-stage disease (Stage I) is relatively low (approx. 50%), it remains the "gold standard" clinical biomarker compared to the other options provided. **Analysis of Options:** * **CA 19-9:** Primarily used as a tumor marker for **pancreatic and biliary tract cancers**. In gynecology, it may be elevated in mucinous tumors of the ovary, but it is not the primary marker for general surface epithelial tumors. * **CA 15-3:** This is a tumor marker primarily associated with **breast cancer** monitoring. * **Osteopontin:** While research has identified Osteopontin as a potential *novel* or *emerging* biomarker that may rise earlier than CA-125, it is not yet the standard clinical answer for "recent" or "routine" detection in the context of standard medical examinations like NEET-PG. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Cut-off value:** >35 U/mL is generally considered abnormal. * **Specificity issues:** CA-125 can be elevated in physiological conditions (menstruation, pregnancy) and benign pathological conditions (endometriosis, PID, fibroids). * **Post-menopausal significance:** A raised CA-125 in a post-menopausal woman with an adnexal mass is highly suspicious of malignancy. * **Other markers:** For Germ Cell Tumors, remember **LDH** (Dysgerminoma), **AFP** (Yolk sac tumor), and **hCG** (Choriocarcinoma).

Q: What is the most common primary site of carcinoma that metastasizes to the ovary, resulting in a Krukenberg tumor?

Stomach. **Explanation:** A **Krukenberg tumor** is a specific type of metastatic signet-ring cell carcinoma of the ovary. By definition, the primary malignancy originates in a mucosal organ, most commonly the gastrointestinal tract. **1. Why Stomach is Correct:** The **stomach (gastric adenocarcinoma)** is the most common primary site, accounting for approximately 70% of all Krukenberg tumors. The characteristic histological feature is the **signet-ring cell**, where intracellular mucin displaces the nucleus to the periphery. The spread to the ovaries typically occurs via retrograde lymphatic dissemination or transcoelomic seeding. **2. Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Gallbladder:** While gallbladder cancer can metastasize to the peritoneum, it is a rare primary source for Krukenberg tumors compared to the stomach or colon. * **Breast:** Breast cancer (specifically invasive lobular carcinoma) is a frequent source of ovarian metastases. However, it is the second or third most common cause, trailing significantly behind gastric primaries. * **Lung:** Lung cancer rarely metastasizes to the ovary. When it does, it usually presents as a non-specific metastatic deposit rather than a classic Krukenberg tumor. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Laterality:** Krukenberg tumors are characteristically **bilateral** (80% of cases). * **Gross Appearance:** They typically present as large, solid, multinodular masses that maintain the general shape of the ovary. * **Diagnostic Clue:** If a patient presents with bilateral ovarian masses and an elevated CEA or history of dyspepsia, suspect a Krukenberg tumor and perform an Upper GI Endoscopy. * **Other Primaries:** After the stomach, the **colon** is the next most common primary site.

Question 1

A 30-year-old female complains of vaginal bleeding for 2 weeks. Ultrasound scanning reveals a diagnosis of hydatidiform mole. Suction evacuation is performed, and histopathological examination of curettings confirms a complete hydatidiform mole. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

Accepted Answer

Monitor serum beta-hCG levels weekly until they become negative.

Answer

Administer intramuscular methotrexate daily for 5 days.

Answer

Perform hysterectomy.

Answer

Perform repeat curettage after 2 weeks.

Question 2

Long-term use of tamoxifen is associated with an increased risk of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Endometrial cancer

Answer

Ovarian cancer

Answer

Cervical cancer

Answer

Vaginal cancer

Question 3

Serum alpha-fetoprotein level is elevated in which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Endodermal sinus tumor

Answer

Dysgerminoma

Answer

Immature teratoma

Answer

Choriocarcinoma

Question 4

What is the most common germ cell tumor of the ovary?

Accepted Answer

Teratoma

Answer

Dysgerminoma

Answer

Endodermal sinus tumor

Answer

Clear cell tumor

Question 5

Which of the following is a predisposing factor to carcinoma of the endometrium?

Accepted Answer

Diabetes Mellitus

Answer

Multiparity

Answer

Early marriage

Answer

Oral Contraceptive Pills

Question 6

A patient undergoes laparotomy for an ovarian tumor. Findings include a unilateral ovarian tumor with ascites positive for malignant cells and positive pelvic lymph nodes. All other structures are free of disease. What is the stage of her disease?

Accepted Answer

Stage II c

Answer

Stage III a

Answer

Stage III b

Answer

Stage III c

Question 7

Which of the following most commonly causes intraorbital metastasis in females?

Accepted Answer

Breast cancer

Answer

Cervical cancer

Answer

Ovarian cancer

Answer

Endometrial cancer

Question 8

Which of the following is the treatment of choice for choriocarcinoma in a middle-aged woman?

Accepted Answer

Chemotherapy

Answer

Dilatation and evacuation

Answer

Hysterectomy

Answer

Radiotherapy

Question 9

What is the recent biomarker for early detection of surface epithelial tumours of the ovary?

Accepted Answer

Ca 125

Answer

CA 19-9

Answer

Ca 15-3

Answer

Osteopontin

Question 10

What is the most common primary site of carcinoma that metastasizes to the ovary, resulting in a Krukenberg tumor?

Accepted Answer

Stomach

Answer

Gallbladder

Answer

Breast

Answer

Lung

Gynecologic Oncology — MCQs

Gynecologic Oncology — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?