General Pathology Practice Questions

Q: Which tumor marker is associated with breast cancer?

CA 15-3. ### Explanation **Correct Option: A. CA 15-3** Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) is a glycoprotein derived from the MUC1 gene. It is the most widely used serum tumor marker for **breast cancer**, particularly for monitoring treatment response and detecting recurrence in metastatic disease. While it lacks the sensitivity and specificity required for initial screening, rising levels are highly suggestive of disease progression. Another marker frequently associated with breast cancer is **CA 27-29**. [1] **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **B. CA 19-9:** This is the primary marker for **Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma**. It is also elevated in cholangiocarcinoma and other hepatobiliary malignancies. * **C. CA 125:** This is the classic marker for **Serous Ovarian Cancer**. It is also used to monitor endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease, though it is less specific in premenopausal women. * **D. CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen):** While CEA can be elevated in breast cancer, it is the gold-standard marker for **Colorectal Carcinoma**. It is also associated with cancers of the pancreas, lung, and stomach. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **Breast Cancer:** CA 15-3, CA 27-29, and CEA (for monitoring). [1] * **Ovarian Cancer:** CA 125 (Surface epithelial), AFP/hCG (Germ cell tumors). * **Pancreatic Cancer:** CA 19-9. * **Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) & Yolk Sac Tumor:** AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein). * **Medullary Carcinoma of Thyroid:** Calcitonin. * **Prostate Cancer:** PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen). * **Trophoblastic Tumors (Choriocarcinoma):** beta-hCG. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Breast, pp. 1059-1066.

Q: The gene for Wilson's disease is located on which chromosome?

13. **Explanation:** **Wilson’s Disease (Hepatolenticular Degeneration)** is an autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism [1]. The correct answer is **Chromosome 13** because the **ATP7B gene**, which encodes a copper-transporting P-type ATPase, is located on the long arm of this chromosome (**13q14.3**). The underlying pathophysiology involves a defect in this ATPase, leading to impaired biliary excretion of copper and failure to incorporate copper into ceruloplasmin [1]. This results in toxic copper accumulation primarily in the **liver, brain (basal ganglia), and cornea** [2]. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Option A (Chromosome 7):** This is the location of the **CFTR gene**, which is mutated in **Cystic Fibrosis**. * **Option B (Chromosome 10):** Associated with the **RET proto-oncogene**, linked to **MEN 2A and 2B** syndromes. * **Option D (Chromosome 17):** This is a high-yield chromosome housing the **TP53** tumor suppressor gene and the **NF1** (Neurofibromatosis type 1) gene. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Diagnosis:** Characterized by **decreased serum ceruloplasmin**, increased urinary copper excretion, and increased hepatic copper content on biopsy [2]. * **Kayser-Fleischer (KF) Rings:** Copper deposition in the **Descemet’s membrane** of the cornea (best seen on slit-lamp exam) [1]. * **Morphology:** Liver biopsy may show steatosis, chronic hepatitis, or cirrhosis [1]. Brain involvement often shows atrophy of the **putamen**. * **Treatment:** Copper chelators like **D-penicillamine** or Trientine, and Zinc (which inhibits intestinal copper absorption). **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Liver and Gallbladder, pp. 855-856. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Liver And Biliary System Disease, pp. 394-395.

Question 1

Which chromosomal translocation is characteristic of Follicular lymphoma?

Accepted Answer

t(14;18)

Answer

t(8;21)

Answer

t(8;14)

Answer

t(11;14)

Question 2

Which of the following proteins binds antiapoptotic proteins?

Accepted Answer

Bax

Answer

Bad

Answer

Bid

Answer

Bcl-2

Question 3

What is the maximum incidence of ABO isoimmunization?

Accepted Answer

O-positive mother to A-positive child

Answer

O-positive mother to B-positive child

Answer

A-positive mother to O-positive child

Answer

B-positive mother to O-positive child

Question 4

Which tumor marker is associated with breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

CA 15-3

Answer

CA 19-9

Answer

CA 125

Answer

CEA

Question 5

The gene for Wilson's disease is located on which chromosome?

Accepted Answer

13

Answer

7

Answer

10

Answer

17

Question 6

Which of the following components is a potent neutrophil chemotactic agent?

Accepted Answer

C5a

Answer

C1

Answer

C2

Answer

C7, 8, 9 complex

Question 7

If both parents are carriers of the beta-thalassemia gene, what is the chance of having a child with thalassemia major in each pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

25%

Answer

50%

Answer

75%

Answer

100%

Question 8

Cell injury occurs due to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Decreased cellular ATP generation

Answer

Cytosolic Ca++

Answer

Membrane damage

Answer

Intracellular K+

Question 9

Which of the following statements about transposons is NOT true?

Accepted Answer

They modulate the translation of target messenger RNAs into their corresponding proteins.

Answer

They are popularly known as jumping genes.

Answer

They are mobile genetic elements.

Answer

They are implicated in gene regulation and chromatin organization.

Question 10

Which of the following statements is false regarding apoptosis?

Accepted Answer

It is always pathological

Answer

Cell size is shrunken

Answer

Plasma membrane remains intact

Answer

Does not elicit inflammation

General Pathology — MCQs

General Pathology — MCQs

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