Neoplasia — MCQs
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Which enzymatic activity is primarily responsible for the immortality of cancer cells?
All the following statements about thyroid carcinoma are true, except which one?
Which of the following tumors is known for its potential for spontaneous regression?
Clear cell variety of renal cell carcinoma is related to a gene located on which chromosome?
All are features of hypernephroma except:
Neoplasia Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 991: Which enzymatic activity is primarily responsible for the immortality of cancer cells?
- A. RNA polymerase
- B. Telomerase (Correct Answer)
- C. DNA polymerase
- D. DNA reverse transcriptase
Explanation: ***Telomerase*** - **Telomerase** is an enzyme that adds repetitive nucleotide sequences to the ends of chromosomes (**telomeres**), preventing their shortening during DNA replication [1]. - In normal somatic cells, **telomerase** activity is low or absent, leading to progressive telomere shortening and eventual cellular senescence or apoptosis; however, in cancer cells, **telomerase** is highly active, maintaining telomere length and enabling indefinite cell division, contributing to their **immortality** [1]. *DNA reverse transcriptase* - **DNA reverse transcriptase** synthesizes DNA from an RNA template, a process characteristic of retroviruses (e.g., HIV) and not typically involved in the immortality of human cancer cells. - While some endogenous retroelements exist in the human genome, this enzyme's primary role is not in maintaining the replicative potential of cancer cells. *RNA polymerase* - **RNA polymerase** is responsible for synthesizing RNA from a DNA template (**transcription**), a fundamental process in gene expression. - While critical for cell growth and division, **RNA polymerase** does not directly prevent telomere shortening or contribute to cellular immortality. *DNA polymerase* - **DNA polymerase** is involved in DNA replication and repair, synthesizing new DNA strands and ensuring genetic fidelity. - While essential for cell proliferation, it does not directly address the issue of **telomere shortening**, which is key to cellular aging and immortality. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Neoplasia, pp. 311-312.
Question 992: All the following statements about thyroid carcinoma are true, except which one?
- A. Medullary ca is associated with MEN2a
- B. Papillary carcinoma primarily spreads via hematogenous routes. (Correct Answer)
- C. Follicular carcinoma primarily spreads via hematogenous routes.
- D. Thyroid lymphoma is often associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Explanation: ***Papillary carcinoma primarily spreads via hematogenous routes.*** - This statement is incorrect because **papillary thyroid carcinoma** typically spreads via **lymphatic routes** to regional lymph nodes [1]. - **Hematogenous spread** is more characteristic of **follicular thyroid carcinoma** [1]. *Medullary ca is associated with MEN2a* - This statement is correct. **Medullary thyroid carcinoma** is a common component of **Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2a (MEN2a)**, along with pheochromocytoma and parathyroid hyperplasia [1]. - It arises from the **parafollicular C cells** of the thyroid that produce calcitonin [1]. *Follicular carcinoma primarily spreads via hematogenous routes.* - This statement is correct. **Follicular thyroid carcinoma** tends to invade blood vessels and spread predominantly through **hematogenous routes** to distant sites like bones and lungs [1]. - It is less likely to spread via the lymphatic system compared to papillary carcinoma [1]. *Thyroid lymphoma is often associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis* - This statement is correct. **Thyroid lymphoma**, particularly **MALT lymphoma**, has a strong association with pre-existing **Hashimoto's thyroiditis**, which is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory condition of the thyroid. - The chronic inflammation in Hashimoto's thyroiditis can lead to clonal proliferation of B-lymphocytes, increasing the risk of lymphoma. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Liver And Biliary System Disease, pp. 428-431.
Question 993: Which of the following tumors is known for its potential for spontaneous regression?
- A. Osteogenic sarcoma
- B. Malignant melanoma (Correct Answer)
- C. Retinoblastoma
- D. Cholangiocarcinoma
Explanation: ***Osteogenic sarcoma*** - Osteogenic sarcoma, or **osteosarcoma**, is a **malignant bone tumor** that typically does not resolve spontaneously and often requires aggressive treatment [1]. - It commonly presents with **pain and swelling** in long bones, and its prognosis is poor without intervention. *Retinoblastoma* - Retinoblastoma can exhibit **spontaneous regression**, especially in bilateral cases, where the tumor may shrink without treatment over time. - It primarily affects the **retina** in children, ideally diagnosed early to preserve vision and life. *Cholangio carcinoma* - Cholangio carcinoma is an aggressive form of **bile duct cancer** that does not resolve spontaneously and usually has a poor prognosis. - Symptoms typically include **jaundice** and bile duct obstruction, requiring surgical intervention. *Malignant melanoma* - Malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive skin cancer that does not undergo spontaneous resolution and often metastasizes quickly. - Early recognition is crucial for treatment, as it is associated with significant **morbidity and mortality**. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Osteoarticular And Connective Tissue Disease, pp. 673-674.
Question 994: Clear cell variety of renal cell carcinoma is related to a gene located on which chromosome?
- A. X
- B. 22
- C. 20
- D. 3 (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***3*** - The **clear cell variety of renal cell carcinoma** (RCC) is associated with **mutations in the VHL gene**, which is located on chromosome **3** [1]. - This gene plays a crucial role in the **regulation of angiogenesis**, and its inactivation leads to tumor development. *22* - Chromosome **22** is associated with other disorders but not specifically with clear cell RCC or its genetic mutations. - Renal cell carcinoma primarily relates to **chromosome 3**, not chromosome 22 [1]. *X* - The **X chromosome** has other oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes but is not linked to clear cell RCC specifically. - Mutations in the **VHL gene** on chromosome 3 are the key factors, not those found on the X chromosome. *20* - Chromosome **20** does not contain significant genes linked to clear cell renal cell carcinoma. - The notable genetic association is with chromosome **3**, specifically the VHL gene [1]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Kidney, pp. 958-959.
Question 995: All are features of hypernephroma except:
- A. Cannon ball secondaries are seen
- B. More common in males
- C. May invade renal vein
- D. Lower pole involvement (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Lower pole involvement*** - Renal cell carcinoma (hypernephroma) characteristically shows a **predilection for the upper pole** of the kidney, occurring in approximately **70-75% of cases** [1]. - **Lower pole involvement is NOT a typical feature** and occurs less frequently. - This upper pole predilection is an important distinguishing characteristic of RCC. *Cannon ball secondaries are seen* - **Cannonball metastases** (large, round, well-circumscribed lesions) are a characteristic radiographic finding when renal cell carcinoma metastasizes to the **lungs**. - This appearance is highly suggestive of advanced renal cell carcinoma. *More common in males* - Renal cell carcinoma consistently shows a higher incidence in **males than females**, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately **2:1** [1]. - This **gender predisposition** is well-established in epidemiological studies. *May invade renal vein* - **Renal vein invasion** is a classic and critical feature of renal cell carcinoma, which can extend into the **inferior vena cava** [1]. - This venous invasion is a significant factor in **staging and prognosis** [1]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Kidney, pp. 959-961.
Practice by Chapter
Nomenclature and Classification of Tumors
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Characteristics of Benign and Malignant Neoplasms
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Molecular Basis of Cancer
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Carcinogenesis and Carcinogens
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Tumor Progression and Metastasis
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Tumor Markers
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Paraneoplastic Syndromes
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Genetic Basis of Cancer
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Tumor Immunity
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Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention
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